Depression symptoms: signs to recognise

Some people notice sadness, emptiness, guilt, irritability, or reduced enjoyment. Others mainly notice fatigue, disrupted sleep, appetite change, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating. Depression can affect work, self-care, relationships, and motivation. Symptoms vary between people, and a single symptom such as tiredness or poor sleep has many possible explanations. A symptom does not by itself prove that someone has depression.

Write down which changes you have noticed, when they began, how often they occur, and what they prevent you from doing. Arrange a medical or mental-health assessment if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life. A clinician can ask about mood, sleep, physical health, medicines, substance use, and safety. Keep regular meals and a basic sleep routine, choose manageable activity, and share the burden with someone trustworthy.

Seek emergency help if you have thoughts of suicide, a plan to harm yourself, feel unable to remain safe, or develop severe confusion or hallucinations. Prompt assessment is needed when symptoms worsen quickly, you stop managing essential care, or sleep and energy change dramatically. Do not wait for symptoms to become unbearable before asking for help.

Could these symptoms have a physical or medication-related cause? What assessment do I need? Which treatments and supports are available? How should I seek help if my mood or safety worsens?