How effective is mental health assessment for depression?

You may be asked about low mood, loss of interest, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, guilt and how symptoms affect work or relationships. The clinician may ask about past episodes, medicines, alcohol or drugs, physical illness and periods of unusually high energy. Questions about self-harm or suicide are part of a safety assessment, not a judgement. The result is a clearer picture of severity, contributing factors and whether talking therapy, medication, practical support or combined care should be considered.

Note when symptoms began, changes in sleep and appetite, and activities you have stopped. Bring a list of medicines and mention side effects or previous treatments. Ask how quickly to expect a review, what to do if symptoms worsen and which small daily steps are realistic. More detail is available in [Mental Health Assessment](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/mental-health-assessment/) and [Depression](/conditions/depression/).

Seek urgent help now if you may act on thoughts of suicide, cannot keep yourself safe, or are experiencing severe agitation, confusion or loss of contact with reality. Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot manage basic care, are rapidly worsening, or have stopped taking essential medicines. Tell someone you trust what you are experiencing while arranging support.

Ask what the assessment suggests, which options match your preferences, how safety will be monitored, and when the plan should be adjusted if improvement is limited.