When is GP consultation recommended for depression?

Depression can affect mood, motivation, concentration, sleep, appetite and physical energy. A GP can listen to how symptoms affect work, study, relationships and self-care, check for physical contributors, and discuss options such as talking therapy, lifestyle support or medicine. You do not need to wait until symptoms become overwhelming.

Before the appointment, note your main symptoms, when they began, changes in sleep or appetite, alcohol or substance use, medicines, and any previous mental health care. Be honest about thoughts of death or self-harm, even if you do not intend to act on them. If speaking feels difficult, bring a trusted person or write down what you want to say.

Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department if you have a plan to harm yourself, feel unable to stay safe, have taken an overdose, or are experiencing severe confusion, agitation or loss of contact with reality. Stay with someone trusted, move away from medicines or weapons, and ask for immediate help while waiting for care.

Ask which treatment options fit your symptoms, when improvement might be reviewed, and what side effects or warning changes to report. Discuss sleep, activity, work or study adjustments, alcohol, support at home and a safety plan. Ask who to contact if your mood worsens between appointments.