Depression is a common illness affecting one in 10 people and refers to a major mood disorder that adversely disturbs a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and might affect your everyday life. Depression is also an illness that many people have a problem acknowledging. Some individuals see it as a lack of willpower, personal weakness or laziness, but this is merely not the case. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and one that can be diagnosed, treated and overcome, but first the individual has to recognize the problem. So how does a person know that they’re suffering from depression?

Feeling uncomfortable in social situations is a common problem, you may have no desire to interact and therefore spend more time alone and isolated. You may find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions and find it mundane or difficult to do simple tasks like getting out of bed.

Depression can make you feel miserable, worthless and dispirited. You may experience persistent emotional states, such as enduring feelings of sadness and hopelessness. You stop enjoying things you usually do, you may start to avoid people and spend considerable amounts of time alone.

At its most trivial, you may constantly feel low in spirit, while at its severest; depression can make you feel insignificant and suicidal. It is vital to recognise these behaviours & emotions and seek help as soon as possible.

If you feel that you may be suffering from depression, it is vitally important that you talk to your doctor about it. Many people feel that treatment will be pointless with their condition, but treatment is usually very effective and can help alleviate the condition. If you are concerned about your own mental health, or that of a friend or relative, it is always worth to speak to a professional specialist about it. This could be your GP, a counsellor or someone at bluSCI walk-in centre.

blueSCI walk-in centre support people in Trafford to recover their Mental Health and Well-being, through creative and social opportunities. They provide solution focused interventions and self-management to overcome barriers and achieve aspirations as part of a personalised mental health and wellbeing recovery programme.

Individuals may call in and participate in taster sessions, or ring to make an appointment to a look round and chat to a member of staff.

blueSCI offer confidence- building Maths and English courses, in partnership with Trafford College. Various interesting activities such as visual arts and crafts, sculpture and sound workshops, acting classes, women’s only courses, advice on job seeking, in work support and benefits; advice on housing and accommodation, beginners cycle rides, talking therapies, poetry workshops and much more.

blueSCI also have 3 music rooms, a DJ booth, Media suite for film making and recording studio, their harmony café selling hot food and drinks and an internet café.

Call in to blueSCI, Old Trafford 54-56, Seymour Grove, Old Trafford M16 0LN or Partington Library and Wellbeing Centre.

For more information on activities please visit www.bluesci.org.uk or ask at reception. You can also contact them at: 0161 912 4828 information@bluesci.org.uk