How to manage depression

Depression can cause persistent low mood or loss of interest, alongside fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, guilt, or hopelessness. Some people mainly notice physical symptoms. Depression is a health condition rather than a failure of willpower, and symptoms can occur with anxiety or insomnia. A clinician can assess your symptoms, medicines, physical health, and safety.

Arrange an assessment and follow the agreed treatment plan. Talking therapies can help change patterns of thinking and behaviour; medicines may be considered depending on symptoms and personal circumstances. Take prescribed medicine as directed and discuss unwanted effects before stopping it. Keep goals small: get up at a consistent time, eat something nourishing, take a short walk if able, and tell a trusted person what support you need. Improvement may be uneven, so track useful changes rather than expecting a straight line.

Seek medical support when low mood or loss of interest is lasting, worsening, or affecting work, relationships, sleep, or self-care. Get urgent help if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feel unable to stay safe, or experience confusion, extreme agitation, or loss of contact with reality. Contact your care team promptly if treatment causes troubling changes.

Ask which treatment options suit your symptoms, how progress will be reviewed, and what to do if your mood worsens. Ask about sleep, alcohol or other substances, physical contributors, and how a trusted person can be included in your safety plan.