Overview
Depression is a medical illness — persistent low mood, loss of interest and exhaustion lasting weeks or more — not a character weakness or spiritual failing. It is common, affects people of every background, and it is very treatable with talking therapy, medication or both. Reaching out is the strongest first step.
Symptoms
- Persistent sadness or emptiness most of the day
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Poor sleep or sleeping too much
- Low energy and slowed thinking
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Causes & risk factors
- Brain chemistry and inherited vulnerability
- Major life stress — loss, financial hardship, relationship breakdown
- Chronic illness or pain
- Postnatal hormonal changes
- Alcohol or substance use worsening mood
Treatment & self-care
Effective treatment includes talking therapy with a mental-health professional, antidepressant medicines prescribed by a doctor, or both — improvement typically builds over weeks. Regular sleep, exercise, reduced alcohol and staying connected to trusted people all support recovery. A telehealth consult is a private, judgement-free way to start.
See a doctor urgently if
- Any thought of harming yourself — seek help immediately
- Low mood lasting more than two weeks
- Unable to work, study or care for your family
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
- Depression after childbirth