3. The depression spiral

Now you know your first facts about depression, it’s time to put them to use on the Depression Spiral! The Depression Spiral shows the relationship between depression and negative thoughts, emotions, behavioural and physical symptoms which, as they get worse, lead to further depression, making a person feel caught up in a spiral that seems hard to get out of.

On the spiral, write down some of the things a young person may notice as their mood gets lower and they travel down the spiral. Begin with what a young person might notice, in each category listed. The first example is given to help guide you. Can you see how these might lead someone down a low mood spiral? Are there any other examples you would like to add?

Now complete the same, but in reverse! List the things in the categories given, that might make depression better. The first example is given to help guide you. Can you see how these might help break the spiral and improve depression? Are there any other examples you might like to add?

You can print the spirals on the worksheet here, or if you cannot print, simply draw out the table above. The example above should give you some guidance on where to start.