Depression
You're not alone. Depression could affect any of us at any time - around 1 in 5 people in the UK report feeling depressed or anxious. It affects everyone differently, and it can touch every part of daily life, from work and sleep to relationships and motivation.
Whatever you're going through, Ben is here for you. This page brings together everything we offer around depression, so you can understand what you're experiencing and find the right support.
Call us free on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online - we're here to help.
If your depression is severe and you are having suicidal thoughts, please call Samaritans on 116 123 or the NHS on 111 immediately.
What is depression?
We all feel low or down from time to time - it's a normal part of life. But depression is different. It's more than feeling sad, and it isn't something you can simply "snap out of."
Depression is when low mood lasts for weeks or months rather than days, and starts to affect your everyday life - how you think, how you feel, your energy, your sleep and your ability to do the things you normally would. It's a real health condition, not a sign of weakness, and with the right support, recovery is possible.
Learn more about the types, symptoms and causes of depression.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression shows up differently for everyone, but knowing what to look for can help you take the first step. Common signs include:
- Persistent low mood, sadness or feeling hopeless for weeks at a time
- Losing interest or enjoyment in things you usually like
- Feeling tired and low on energy, even after rest
- Changes to your sleep - sleeping too much, or lying awake
- Changes to appetite or weight
- Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- Feeling anxious, irritable or on edge
- Withdrawing from friends, family or colleagues
- Low self-esteem, guilt or self-blame
- Unexplained aches and pains
If several of these feel familiar and have lasted more than two weeks, it's worth reaching out - to someone you trust, your GP, or to us.
Depression at work
For many people, depression is closely tied to working life. Long hours, high workloads or a difficult environment can all contribute to low mood - and depression can in turn make even simple tasks at work feel overwhelming.
If work is part of what you're struggling with, there's practical guidance on coping day to day, talking to your employer, and the reasonable adjustments you may be able to ask for.
Read our guide to workplace depression.
Depression in the automotive industry
The automotive industry can be hugely rewarding, but it comes with real pressures - long shifts, physical strain, customer-facing demands and fast-paced, target-driven environments. These factors can build up and contribute to low mood and depression in ways that are easy to dismiss until they become hard to ignore.
Ben exists specifically for people in the automotive industry, past and present. That means we understand the pressures of your working life in a way a generic service can't - and everything we offer is completely free. There's no catch, no referral needed, and no waitlist for most of our services.
How we can help
Wherever you are with depression right now, Ben has support that can help.
- Free, confidential helpline: call us any time on 08081 311 333.
- Online chat: talk to us online if you'd rather not speak on the phone.
- SilverCloud digital programmes: free, 24/7 online programmes for depression, anxiety, sleep and wellbeing - use access code ben to get started.
- Counselling and life coaching: if you'd prefer one-to-one support, we can connect you with a trained counsellor or life coach.
- Financial wellbeing support: if money worries are adding pressure.
No judgement, no pressure - just practical support from people who understand your industry.
Learn about depression
Workplace Depression: What It Is And How To Deal With It
If you feel depressed when working, you’re not alone. On this page we will look at how and why depression can impact your work life and how your job can affect your mental health and wellbeing.
Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Support - Ben
Depression could affect any of us at any time, with one in five people in the UK reporting feeling depressed or anxious, so, if you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.
