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The name comes from the black comedy of living with manic depression — because sometimes laughing at it is how you get through it.

— Helen McNallen, founder

Depression, talked about the way it actually feels

Depression Can Be Fun was started by Helen McNallen, who has lived with clinical and bipolar depression, after the NHS invited her to launch it on World Mental Health Day 2008. Nothing here is written from a textbook: the guides, the answers and the forum threads all come from people who have been through it themselves — or care for someone who has.

Start with the quick guides if you are trying to work out what is happening to you, head to the carers' section if you are worried about someone else, or just read how other people got through the worst of it.

Helen McNallen, founder of Depression Can Be Fun

Where to start

Quick guides to types of depression

Short, readable explanations of each diagnosis — what it is, how it tends to show up, and what usually helps.

Special articles

Longer reads on the questions that come up again and again.

If you need help right now: this site shares personal experience and information, not medical advice. If you are in the UK and struggling to cope, you can call the Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123, or see our help in a crisis and helplines and support groups pages. If you think you may harm yourself, call 999 or go to A&E.