What should you know about chronic depression symptoms?

A person with ongoing depression may feel empty, hopeless, tearful, numb or unusually irritable. Activities that once felt rewarding may lose their appeal. Other symptoms include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, difficulty sleeping, appetite or weight change, slowed movement, restlessness, guilt and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can appear gradually and may be mistaken for stress or a personality change. Not everyone has every symptom, and these experiences can also occur with physical illness, medication effects or another mental health condition. The effect on daily life and the overall pattern matter as much as any single symptom.

Arrange an appointment if symptoms persist, return repeatedly or interfere with work, relationships, self-care or sleep. Before the visit, note mood changes, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, medicines and any thoughts about death or self-harm. A doctor can assess mental and physical health and discuss therapy, medication, practical changes or referral. Keep daily routines simple, accept help from a trusted person and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek immediate help if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a plan, or feel unable to stay safe. Contact emergency services or attend the nearest emergency department and tell someone you trust. Prompt assessment is also needed if symptoms suddenly become much worse, you stop meeting basic needs, or severe sleep loss comes with unusually elevated mood, impulsive behaviour or confusion.

Ask which symptoms point toward depression, whether another condition should be checked, what treatment choices exist, how follow-up works and what safety plan to use during a crisis.