Depression is a common mental disorder characterised by persistent low mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. It can affect sleep, appetite, energy levels, thinking, work, study, and relationships.
How can depression present?
Depression affects people in different ways. Its symptoms may be emotional, cognitive, and physical, and may interfere with everyday life.
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- persistent low mood, sadness, or irritability;
- loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable;
- feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness;
- difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
- fatigue and reduced energy or activity;
- sleep problems, including insomnia or excessive sleepiness;
- changes in appetite or body weight;
- noticeable slowing of movement and speech or, conversely, restlessness and agitation;
- thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm.
If you have noticed a low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep, appetite or energy over the past two weeks, you can take the PHQ-9 test for signs of depression. It provides a preliminary assessment of symptom severity but does not establish a diagnosis.
A person may find it harder to complete usual tasks, work or study, stay connected with others, and take care of themselves.
When should you seek help?
If low mood, loss of interest, or other symptoms are present for most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or longer, it is worth speaking with a qualified professional. You can seek help sooner if the symptoms are significantly affecting daily life, are getting worse quickly, or are causing concern.
If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, do not face them alone. Tell someone you trust and contact a qualified professional as soon as possible. If there is an immediate risk of harm, seek emergency help right now.
Patterns and course of depression
- a depressive episode;
- recurrent depressive disorder, in which episodes return;
- persistent depressive disorder with long-lasting symptoms;
- depression with a seasonal pattern;
- perinatal or postpartum depression;
- depression with psychotic symptoms.
Depressive episodes can also occur as part of bipolar disorder. During an assessment, it is therefore important to tell the professional about periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood, markedly increased activity, or a reduced need for sleep.
How is depression diagnosed and treated?
A qualified professional makes the diagnosis after a clinical assessment. When appropriate, they may recommend additional examinations to rule out physical causes of symptoms and consider coexisting conditions.
Support may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. The choice depends on the severity and duration of symptoms, their effect on daily life, safety risks, coexisting conditions, previous treatment, and the person’s preferences. Medication should be prescribed by a doctor.
For an initial assessment, you may speak with a family doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. If symptoms are severe, there are thoughts of suicide, psychotic symptoms, or substantial difficulty functioning in daily life, an assessment by a psychiatrist is appropriate.
Expert opinion
“Depression may be accompanied by anxiety, physical symptoms, social withdrawal, and other mental health manifestations. It is therefore important to assess not only mood, but also sleep, appetite, energy, and the ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. Seeking help in a timely manner makes it possible to assess the condition and decide on the next steps together with a professional,” — Khrystyna Zhyvago, PhD MD, psychiatrist, child psychiatrist.