At any one time, 1 in 20 people are depressed and women are twice as likely to suffer than men. If you're feeling down it could be full depression or simply a case of the blues. If you've been down a couple of days try some of the remedies below, but if it has been weeks and your low feelings are interfering with your life you must see your doctor for treatment.
Distract yourself
Focus on something you enjoy and take your mind off of how bad you are feeling.
Call a friend, watch a funny movie or play some team games and sports.
Take stock
Get a sense of perspective by writing down how many things are actually bad in your life and how many are good.
Instead of thinking how bad you are at things, write down everything you have done well; whether it is helping a friend, re-decorating a room, cooking a great lunch.
You'll soon see there are things you are good at.
Get some exercise
Exercise boosts the levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin and studies have shown that people who take regular exercise feel much better.
Try cycling or running which also get you out in the fresh air.
Have a good laugh
Laughter really is the best medicine as studies have shown that laughing can improve blood flow by 20 percent, thereby helping your brain and body function better.
Eat well
A balanced diet will help you to feel better so eat plenty of Omega-3 oil containing foods as these have been shown to boost your mood.
Try olive oil, nuts and oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines.