Recorded depression figures are population level data. They cannot determine whether an individual is experiencing depression, explain a person’s symptoms or predict the support they may need. A borough figure does not describe everyone who lives there, and it should not be used to compare one person’s distress with another’s. Figures can be affected by recording practices, access to assessment, time periods, population characteristics, service use and other factors. They should be read alongside their source and methodology rather than used to make conclusions about a borough, neighbourhood or individual. A change in a recorded figure may not show why an individual is feeling low or whether a particular form of support would be appropriate. Low mood can occur with grief, stress, illness, pain, medication, hormonal changes, isolation, trauma, caring responsibilities, work difficulties or other circumstances. It can also occur without one clear explanation. Assessment can explore symptoms, physical health, safety, functioning, current support and what matters to the person. A guide cannot diagnose depression, distinguish depression from another condition or determine a treatment plan. Physical symptoms, marked tiredness, pain, sleep changes or changes in appetite should not automatically be attributed to depression. Appropriate medical assessment may be needed. Urgent appropriate help is needed if you feel unable to stay safe, have thoughts of suicide or self harm, experience psychosis, a sudden marked change in mental state or acute physical symptoms. If low mood is affecting daily life, appropriate professional assessment may be useful. For related information, see depression support at lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/depression/ and low mood versus depression at lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/difference between low mood and depression/. The Lyceum provides CBT based support in West London and online where clinically appropriate; check current arrangements directly before making an enquiry.