Depression is a description of what it's like to feel very low for a lot of the time. If you're depressed you may lose interest and confidence in things and people.

Sometimes people who have deep depression at certain times, can also experience feeling very high, excitable and unable to sleep at other times. This combination of extremely different moods is called 'manic depression'.

Both of these situations can be very difficult to cope with, and also very risky. Because of this, its really important to talk to someone and to try and get some help if you, or someone you know, seems to be struggling with feeling very low, or very high or 'manic', or both.

• Depression
• Mental health
• Emotions
• Stress

For more information about manic depression try:

• About Manic Depression / Biploar Disorder (from E-Mental Health)
• Manic Depression Fellowship
• Depression and Manic Depression (from SANE website)
• Understanding Manic Depression (from MIND website)
• Help for Manic Depression (from Royal College of Psychiatrists)

For other sources of help:

• LampDirect
• Samaritans