What should you know about secondary depression?

Low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, irritability, feeling anxious, difficulty concentrating or changes in sleep can occur with depression, but they may also arise from another illness, chronic pain, medication effects, substance use or prolonged stress. Insomnia can worsen mood and daytime sleepiness, while depression can disturb sleep. The pattern, timing and effect on daily life help a clinician assess what is contributing.

Book a GP assessment and bring a list of medicines, supplements, alcohol or drug use, recent diagnoses and symptom changes. Keep regular meals, gentle activity and contact with trusted people where possible. Do not stop a prescribed medicine suddenly; ask the prescriber about suspected side effects or safer changes. Treatment may address mood, the underlying problem, or both.

Seek urgent help if there are thoughts of suicide or self-harm, an intention to act, inability to stay safe, severe confusion, or loss of contact with reality. Contact a clinician promptly when sleep, eating, work, study or self-care is deteriorating. If someone may be in immediate danger, stay with them if safe and contact local emergency services.

Ask what conditions or medicines could explain the symptoms, whether screening or blood tests are appropriate, and which therapy or medication options fit your situation. Ask how progress will be reviewed and what to do if suicidal thoughts appear.