Depression

Recognizing depression

Depression may involve persistent sadness, emptiness, irritability, or loss of enjoyment. Other symptoms can include low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness.

Symptoms present most days for two weeks or longer deserve evaluation, but you can seek help sooner. Thoughts of suicide require prompt support—use the clearly marked 988 resources above.

Understanding what you are experiencing

Your visit includes a discussion of symptoms, daily functioning, safety, past treatment, medicines, and physical health. A screening questionnaire can help track symptoms but does not replace a clinical assessment. Testing for medical contributors may be appropriate.

Tell your clinician about periods of unusually high energy, elevated or irritable mood, little need for sleep, or impulsive behavior. These can suggest bipolar disorder, a separate condition with different treatment needs. Also mention pregnancy, recent childbirth, or a history of similar symptoms.

Your treatment options

• Psychotherapy: Structured talk therapy can help with symptoms and coping. We can discuss referral to a mental health professional.
• Medication: An antidepressant may be appropriate based on severity, history, preferences, and potential side effects. Some people benefit from combining medication and therapy.
• Supportive routines: Sleep, physical activity, social support, and limiting alcohol can complement care. Depression is not a personal failure, and healthy habits alone may not be enough.

Checking progress together

Antidepressants often take several weeks to help. Follow-up is important after starting or changing treatment to review response, side effects, and safety. Do not stop medication abruptly without guidance.

Contact your prescriber promptly if mood worsens, marked agitation develops, or suicidal thoughts emerge. Monitoring is especially important in children, teenagers, and young adults. Severe symptoms, a complex diagnosis, or an inadequate response may require specialist care.

If worry or panic is also affecting you, read about our anxiety care.

Schedule a visit

Bring your medication list and the concerns you would like to discuss. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help.