What are the signs of depression?

Depression can cause a persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in things, tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and a lack of motivation. Symptoms last for weeks or more, rather than passing after a day or two.

How is depression different from feeling sad?

Everyone feels low sometimes, and that usually lifts. Depression is more persistent and pervasive — it lasts, affects many areas of life, and can make everyday things feel difficult. If low mood is lasting and getting in the way of life, it is worth seeking help.

What treatments are available?

Effective options include talking therapies such as CBT, lifestyle support (exercise, routine, sleep and social connection), and antidepressant medication for some people. A GP can help you choose, and treatments are often combined.

Does depression get better?

Yes. Depression is very treatable, and most people improve with the right support. It can take time, and finding the right approach may involve trying more than one thing, but recovery is the expected outcome.

Depression | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad or fed up. It is a persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure that lasts for weeks or more and affects daily life. It is common and treatable, with support including talking therapies, lifestyle changes and, for some people, medication.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition involving a persistent low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in things you would normally enjoy. It is different from the ordinary ups and downs everyone has — it lasts for weeks or longer and affects how you feel, think, sleep and cope day to day. It is not a sign of weakness, and it is not something you can simply “snap out of”.

Recognising it

Depression can cause:

a low mood that does not lift, or feeling tearful or empty
loss of interest or enjoyment in things
tiredness and low energy
changes in sleep and appetite
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Not everyone has all of these, and they can range from mild to severe.

What helps

Depression is treatable, and there is a lot that can help:

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), available through the NHS.
Lifestyle support — regular activity, a routine, good sleep, and staying connected to others, which all genuinely help.
Medication — antidepressants help many people, and a GP can discuss whether they might suit you.

Often a combination works best, and finding the right approach can take a little time.

Reaching out

If low mood has lasted more than a couple of weeks or is affecting your life, please talk to a GP. Depression is common and treatable, and asking for help is an important and positive step.

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or that life is not worth living, get help immediately — call 999, NHS 111, or Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. You do not have to go through this alone.

This article touches on mental health. If you are struggling, support is available right now and you deserve it.

Common questions

What are the signs of depression?: Depression can cause a persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in things, tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and a lack of motivation. Symptoms last for weeks or more, rather than passing after a day or two.
How is depression different from feeling sad?: Everyone feels low sometimes, and that usually lifts. Depression is more persistent and pervasive — it lasts, affects many areas of life, and can make everyday things feel difficult. If low mood is lasting and getting in the way of life, it is worth seeking help.
What treatments are available?: Effective options include talking therapies such as CBT, lifestyle support (exercise, routine, sleep and social connection), and antidepressant medication for some people. A GP can help you choose, and treatments are often combined.
Does depression get better?: Yes. Depression is very treatable, and most people improve with the right support. It can take time, and finding the right approach may involve trying more than one thing, but recovery is the expected outcome.

Sources

NHS — Depression in adults