WITH Christmas just around the corner the majority of us are looking forward, excitedly, to the festivities ahead. However, as GPs, we know that this time of year can also be hard emotionally for many of our patients.

A combination of loneliness, financial pressures, long dark nights and the emotional pressure of family time can have devastating effects for many patients, especially those suffering from, or at risk of, depression.

Currently, it is estimated that one in six people in England experience symptoms of a mental health problem. Four to ten percent of people will suffer depression in their lifetime and in 2013 6,233 suicides were recorded in the UK for people aged over 15.

Previously, depression and mental health problems were seen as illnesses found in adults only, what we now know is that an average of 20% of adolescents experience mental health problems and 10% of 5-16 year olds have a diagnosable mental health problem.

So how do you spot a problem in a loved one or friend?

The most common signs to watch for are withdrawal from family life and isolation, increasing anxiety in some people, tearfulness and a sense of hopelessness. Difficulty concentrating, excessive sleep or difficulty sleeping and change in appetite that can range from binge eating to significant weight loss are all possible signs of depression.

As GPs it is usually our experience that directly asking a patient whether they feel low or think they may be depressed is very useful, and often this prompt is all that is needed to start the process of getting help for someone.

So where to go to for help, especially over the Christmas period?

Useful numbers to have are the Samaritans (24-hour emotional support), Mindline (offering support and information), Men's Health Forum (text, email and phone line). In cases where you might feel that telephone helplines may not be adequate due to suicide threats or other concerns then accessing GP advice and care through your local GP surgery, OOH line through Shropdoc is also an alternative.

But what about young people and children?

Here the signs of mental health problems are often more difficult to spot early.

The advice to parents or carers of a young person who are concerned about depression or other mental health problems is to seek advice early as we know that early intervention can prevent lifelong mental health problems being established. Helplines exist specifically for young people such as Papyrus (suicide prevention in young people) and Youngminds which is aimed at parents and carers to offer support and advice.