Feeling sad and depression

Sadness is a normal response to loss, stress or disappointment. Depression can affect mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, motivation and relationships, and may make ordinary tasks feel unusually difficult. Some people feel irritable, anxious, numb or exhausted rather than openly sad.

Depression may occur with insomnia, daytime sleepiness, fatigue or trouble concentrating. These symptoms can also have physical or medication-related causes, so a clinician considers the whole picture rather than relying on one feeling.

Tell someone you trust what has changed, keep regular meals and sleep routines where possible, and choose small manageable activities such as a short walk or a shower. Arrange a medical appointment if symptoms interfere with work, study, self-care or relationships.

Treatment may include talking therapy, medication, or both, depending on your symptoms and preferences. Do not stop prescribed medicine suddenly. Write down mood, sleep, energy, anxiety and any thoughts of self-harm before an appointment.

Seek medical advice when low mood persists, repeatedly returns, or comes with marked sleep disturbance, withdrawal, hopelessness, loss of enjoyment or difficulty managing daily needs.

If you may harm yourself, cannot stay safe, hear or see things others do not, or feel unable to care for yourself, seek urgent help now and stay with a trusted person while contacting local emergency or crisis services.

Ask what may be contributing to your symptoms, which treatment options fit your situation, how long improvement may take, and who to contact if your mood worsens or you develop thoughts of self-harm.