What should you know about interpersonal therapy for depression?

Therapy explores the situations surrounding depression, such as conflict, loss, a change in role or difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. You and the therapist identify a focused problem area, notice how mood affects communication, and practise clearer ways to express needs and manage support.

Sessions are collaborative and goal-led. The approach is not a test of whether depression is your fault; it gives symptoms a social and emotional context. Depression may also involve fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety or changes in sleep, and these should be discussed during assessment.

Ask a qualified mental-health professional whether interpersonal therapy fits your symptoms, preferences and practical needs. Before the first appointment, write down mood changes, important relationships, recent losses or transitions, sleep and daily functioning. Be open about medicines, previous therapy and any safety concerns. Progress is reviewed through changes in mood, communication and day-to-day functioning.

Arrange an assessment when low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes or concentration problems persist or disrupt daily life. Seek urgent help if you may harm yourself, cannot stay safe, feel detached from reality or cannot manage essential self-care. Tell the therapist promptly if symptoms worsen between sessions.

Is interpersonal therapy suitable for my depression? Which relationship or life-change concerns should we address first? Would medication or another therapy also help? How can I get urgent support if my mood worsens?