How is depression treated?

A clinician asks about mood, sleep, energy, concentration, appetite, relationships, alcohol or drug use, physical health and any thoughts of self-harm. [Low Mood](/symptoms/low-mood/), [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) and [Feeling Anxious](/symptoms/feeling-anxious/) can occur with depression, but they can also have other causes.

Talking therapies help you understand patterns, build coping skills and make manageable changes. Antidepressants may be offered when symptoms are persistent, severe or limiting daily life. They require regular review because benefits and unwanted effects can change over time. Some people need one approach; others benefit from combined support.

Arrange an appointment if low mood, loss of interest or related symptoms are affecting work, study, relationships, sleep or self-care. Bring a record of symptoms, previous treatment, current medicines and changes in appetite or weight. Take prescribed medicine as directed and discuss concerns before stopping it.

Small routines can support recovery: regular meals, gentle activity, sleep and contact with a trusted person. Treatment may also address [Irritability](/symptoms/irritability/), [Loss of Appetite](/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/) or [Loss of Libido](/symptoms/loss-of-libido/) when these affect wellbeing.

Seek emergency help now if you may act on thoughts of suicide, cannot keep yourself safe, or have severe confusion, agitation or loss of contact with reality. If possible, stay with someone trusted and remove immediate access to anything you could use to harm yourself.

Request prompt clinical review if symptoms suddenly worsen, sleep drops sharply with unusually high energy, or a new medicine causes troubling agitation, allergic symptoms or other severe effects. [Memory Problems](/symptoms/memory-problems/) or unexplained physical changes also deserve assessment rather than being assumed to be depression.

Which treatment fits my symptoms and preferences? When should I expect a review? What side effects should I report? How can we make a safety plan? Would talking therapy, medicine or both be suitable, and how can follow-up be arranged?