What are the first signs of depression?

Depression can affect emotional, physical and social functioning. Someone may stop enjoying activities, withdraw from friends, find ordinary decisions exhausting, or feel slowed down and hopeless. Fatigue may continue despite rest, while appetite, sleep or libido changes can appear alongside Low Mood. Feeling Anxious or Irritability can be prominent rather than sadness. These symptoms can also occur with grief, medication effects, hormonal changes or physical illness, so a pattern of symptoms and its effect on daily life matters more than one sign.

Make an appointment with a GP and describe changes in mood, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration and functioning. Note when they started and whether work, study, relationships or self-care have become harder. Mention alcohol or drug use and all medicines. A clinician can assess mood and physical contributors, then discuss options such as talking therapy, practical support or medication. Sharing the situation with a trusted person can make it easier to attend the appointment.

Seek urgent help if you are thinking about suicide, self-harm, harming someone else, or cannot keep yourself safe. Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department when danger feels immediate, and stay with a trusted person if possible. A sudden severe change in behaviour, confusion, or several days with almost no sleep also needs prompt assessment.

Could a physical problem or medicine be contributing? What support is available for sleep and daily routines? Which treatment options fit my symptoms? How can I get urgent help if my safety worsens?