What should you know about unipolar depression?

The term unipolar distinguishes depressive illness from conditions that include episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood. A person may lose interest in activities, feel hopeless or guilty, become more withdrawn, or find ordinary decisions difficult. Sleep can change in either direction, and fatigue may make work, study, relationships and self-care harder. Depression presents with different combinations of symptoms, so a clinician considers their pattern, duration and effect on daily life rather than one feeling alone.

Arrange a GP or mental-health assessment if low mood or loss of interest is affecting your routine. Write down changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and mood, along with medicines or substances that may influence them. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, lifestyle measures or prescribed medicine; the choice depends on symptoms, preferences, health history and safety considerations. Keep regular contact with trusted people, use a simple daily routine, and take prescribed treatment as directed rather than stopping it suddenly.

Seek urgent help if you are thinking about suicide, self-harm, or cannot keep yourself safe. Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department if there is immediate danger. Prompt assessment is also needed for severe confusion, hearing or seeing things others do not, or a sudden period of very little sleep with unusually high energy or risky behaviour. These changes need assessment because they may signal a different or additional mental-health problem.

Could another health problem or medicine be contributing to my symptoms? Which treatment options fit my goals, and when should improvement be reviewed? What should I do if my mood worsens or I develop thoughts of self-harm?