Does mental health assessment treat depression?

You may be asked about mood, loss of interest, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, guilt, physical health, medicines and how symptoms affect daily life. The clinician will also consider anxiety, substance use, bipolar symptoms and other causes that can resemble depression. Questions about self-harm or suicide are part of a safety check, not a judgement. Your answers help shape choices such as talking therapy, medication, practical support or combined care.

Before the appointment, note when symptoms began, what makes them better or worse and any previous treatment. Share changes in sleep, work, relationships and appetite, even if they seem unrelated. Take medicines as prescribed and arrange review rather than stopping them suddenly. A treatment plan may include therapy, medication, activity and sleep support, or referral to another professional. Tell the clinician what matters most to you so goals can be agreed.

Seek emergency help if you might act on thoughts of suicide, have a plan to harm yourself, cannot stay safe or are experiencing severe confusion or hallucinations. Ask for prompt medical review if depression is rapidly worsening, you are unable to eat or drink, or you develop unusually little need for sleep with racing thoughts or risky behaviour. Do not face a safety crisis alone.

Ask which treatment options fit your symptoms, when improvement should be reviewed, what side effects to watch for, how to access urgent support and whether another condition needs assessment.