Depression

What it is

A treatable condition that affects mood, interest, energy and everyday functioning. It can happen to anyone and is not laziness or a character weakness.

When to seek urgent care

There is a suicide plan, an attempt, immediate danger of self-harm, or the person cannot eat, drink or stay safe. Go to the nearest emergency service. Stay with them if safe and reduce access to means of harm. Severe confusion or unusual beliefs after childbirth also needs emergency care.

How it shows

Persistent low mood or loss of enjoyment, sleep or appetite changes, fatigue, poor concentration, guilt, hopelessness or thoughts of death. Irritability and unexplained aches can also occur.

What to do

Arrange a health appointment if symptoms persist or make life difficult, and seek help sooner if severe. Tell someone you trust. Treatment can include talking therapy, social support and medicine where appropriate.

How it can appear

Depression can cause low mood or loss of interest most of the day, nearly every day, often for at least 2 weeks. It may also affect energy, sleep, appetite, concentration and hope for the future. Some people mainly describe pain, anger or feeling empty rather than sadness.

It can affect children, adults, older people and people during pregnancy or after birth. Grief and depression can overlap. A clinician can check for physical causes and ask about past episodes of unusually high energy or little need for sleep, which may change the diagnosis and treatment.

What recovery can involve

Talking therapies, such as CBT or interpersonal therapy, and sometimes antidepressants can help. Treatment is chosen with the person; it may take time and adjustments. Do not abruptly stop prescribed medicine without discussing it with the prescriber.

Try a small daily routine, manageable activity, regular meals and contact with someone trusted. Offer a struggling person practical help and listen without saying 'just cheer up'. These steps support care but are not a substitute for it. Seek prompt help for worsening thoughts of self-harm, including after a medicine is started or changed.

Sources

1. Depression · National Institute of Mental Health · Public domain text; images excluded