What should you know about NICE depression guidance?

Depression is more than a passing low mood. A person may lose interest in activities, feel hopeless or guilty, struggle to concentrate, or notice changes in appetite, sleep and energy. Symptoms can appear together or in different combinations, and their effect on work, relationships and self-care matters when a clinician assesses them. Depression may occur alongside anxiety or insomnia; having a symptom such as fatigue or difficulty sleeping does not by itself establish the cause.

Arrange an appointment if low mood or loss of interest is affecting ordinary activities. Bring a short record of mood, sleep, energy, medicines, alcohol or drug use, and any thoughts of self-harm. Care may include talking therapy, practical support, medication, or a combination, depending on symptoms, preferences and previous experiences. Keep follow-up appointments, take prescribed medicine as directed, and discuss unwanted effects before stopping it. Gentle routines, regular meals, movement within your ability and contact with trusted people can support recovery.

Seek urgent help now if you may harm yourself, cannot stay safe, or feel detached from reality. Contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department, and tell someone you trust. If symptoms are worsening quickly, daily functioning has sharply declined, or you have stopped eating, drinking or sleeping, seek prompt clinical advice. A clinician can also review new symptoms that might be related to another health problem or a medicine.

Ask what symptoms support the assessment, what treatment choices fit your circumstances, how progress will be reviewed, and what to do if your mood worsens. Tell the clinician about previous treatment, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, other conditions, and any thoughts of self-harm.