Coping with depression
Whether you know you have depression or think you might, we can help. There’s information and support for you here even if you’re not a Bupa customer.
Getting support for depression
For some people, depression has become their normal way of life. But it can have a crippling effect. It can spoil your ability to lead a happy life, to get a good night’s sleep, or to find joy in important things like family, relationships and work.
Depression isn’t just about feeling a bit down. It’s a real condition which needs taking seriously. The good news is that there are treatments for depression and support that can help you to manage the symptoms leading to recovery.
Confused about the difference between anxiety and depression?
Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of both anxiety and depression. This video also talks about how it can be normal for some people to experience both at the same time.
00:00 Is it normal to be confused by anxiety and depression, anxiety and depression
00:06 are two different conditions, but often it can feel like they blur into one.
00:10 That's partly because they can coexist with similar treatment
00:13 pathways. Confused? stick with us.
00:18 Let's start with anxiety.
00:20 Anxiety is a feeling of unease or worry about the future.
00:24 It's normal to feel anxious when you face something difficult or dangerous.
00:28 It's also normal to become anxious when faced with a stressful situation,
00:31 such as a job interview, mild anxiety can often be positive and useful.
00:36 However, If your anxiety lasts a long time where it's not helpful
00:40 and affecting your daily life, you might have an anxiety disorder.
00:44 Symptoms may include trouble, sleeping, difficulty, concentrating,
00:48 and feeling tired and low in energy.
00:51 And what about depression?
00:52 If you're depressed, you may feel down hopeless and lack of interest
00:56 or pleasure in doing things.
00:58 You may have feelings of worthlessness and even suicidal
01:01 thoughts. When you're depressed,
01:03 you'll persistently feel sad for weeks or months rather than days.
01:07 If however you're suffering from both anxiety and depression, you're not alone.
01:13 In fact, mixed anxiety and depression disorder
01:16 is the most common mental disorder in the UK with 7.8% of people experiencing
01:22 this at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions like anxiety
01:27 and depression can see much trickier to fix than, say, a broken bone,
01:31 as they deal with emotions thinking and experiences. The effects come
01:36 in waves with good and bad days and
01:38 can therefore lead you to doubt the severity of the condition and put off
01:42 asking for professional help when it's really needed. Throughout social media,
01:46 the growing awareness of both anxiety and depression has driven the trend
01:50 of self care and people looking after their own wellbeing, like practising
01:54 mindfulness, for example, but,
01:56 If you have anxiety or depression, you might feel the benefit of
02:00 these self care steps more after having professional help first.
02:03 It's important to remember that you don't need a reason
02:06 to feel anxious or depressed.
02:09 You shouldn't feel guilty.
02:10 There's no such thing as a good enough reason or 'jumping on the bandwagon'.
02:15 If you're struggling with depression and anxiety, Bupa are here to listen and offer
02:20 clear advice on your next steps, whether you're covered by us or not, we can
02:25 support you. Think Bupa whenever you have a health concern, whatever's on your mind,
02:30 it's normal to us.
Jameel struggled with both anxiety and depression
For Jameel, normal meant a constant feeling of worry in the pit of his stomach. And yet he felt pressure from his family to make everyone happy. Watch our video to find out how having Bupa health insurance helped Jameel††.
††Each story refers to mental health cover and reflects the experience of one particular Bupa member. The cover you choose will have specific terms and conditions and pre-existing conditions are normally excluded.
JAMEEL:
Being around other people is the most natural thing in the world. But to me…it’s liberating.
You don’t always realise when something’s happening to you. I know I didn’t.
I’ve always been a worrier.
From a young age, my family put a lot of pressure on me. As I got older, my anxiety spiralled
I couldn’t leave the house, I’d jump every time the doorbell rang. I was very, very low.
My wife said: “It breaks my heart to see you like this, you need help.”
I had Bupa cover through work, so I made the call to reach out.
Bupa helped me choose a therapist… I was in control of who I went to see… they were fantastic.
PAT:
With anxiety, or depression, you always worry about the next wave. So getting the right treatment for you, as quickly as possible, is really important.
From the moment you pick up the phone, we’re here for you
JAMEEL:
Between my therapist, my wife, and Bupa, my confidence is higher than it’s ever been.
I’m so grateful for everything Bupa has done for me. They’ve helped change my life.
Be mindful now with our three-minute podcast
Jane Bozier is a registered nurse and mindfulness expert here at Bupa. She’ll guide you through a breathing exercise which you can use as part of your depression self-care.
Find Bupa-recognised mental health professionals near you
Our Finder tool lets you browse the directory of Bupa-recognised consultants, psychologists, therapists, counsellors and other professionals.
You don’t need to be a Bupa health insurance customer to see them, just make your own appointment and pay independently.
Workplace Wellbeing Hub
We’re here to help you support your team's wellbeing.
- Discover how to implement a workplace wellbeing strategy
- Get practical guidance on how to support your team's wellbeing, especially as they return to work
- Use our range of guides to help support your team
- Read our informative blog posts covering a range of topics
Workplace mental health
If you’re a manager, we can help you look after your team.
- Learn how to set up a Wellness Action Plan
- Improve your organisation's approach to mental health
- Discover how to play an important role in supporting your team
- Find out how to feel confident talking about mental health
#OpenUp
We want to open up the conversation in your business.
- Break the stigma attached to mental health in the workplace
- Find out how we are encouraging businesses to open up
- Get advice on talking about mental wellbeing with your team
- Listen to our podcasts covering mental health in the workplace
If you’re in a crisis or just need some help, don’t hesitate. Here are some really helpful organisations that you can turn to for support.
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
Call free day or night on
116 123 (UK and ROI)
Mind
Mind is a charity dedicated to mental health. They exist to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They’ll listen to you and offer support and advice.
0300 123 3393
Lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays
Young Minds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity for children’s and young people's mental health. You can text Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 and get support from trained volunteers who are supervised by experienced clinicians. Texts are free from most major mobile networks.
For urgent help, text YM to 85258
Mental Health Foundation
This charity helps people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. The ‘Your mental health’ section has lots of useful content, including podcasts about mindfulness and overcoming anxiety.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink offers crisis and recovery services, advocacy, online resources, support groups and much more. Each year, they help tens of thousands of people manage their mental wellbeing.
0300 5000 927
Lines open 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Mental health support as part of Bupa health insurance
I’m already a Bupa health insurance customer
If you have mental health cover as part of your Bupa health insurance, we could refer you to a consultant or therapist, and you may not even have to see your GP††† first. Or we can put you through to one of our mental health nurses.
0808 256 1766^
^Calls may be recorded and to maintain the quality of our service we may monitor some of our calls, always respecting the confidentiality of the call.
I’m not a Bupa customer, but I’m interested in health insurance
If you’re looking for mental health support as part of a broader health insurance policy, we can look after you, your family, or your employees.
†As of 2nd February 2023 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-andconditions/mentalhealth/depression
†††Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. For example, if your cover excludes conditions you had before your cover started, we may ask for further information from your GP. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your eligibility
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
