Persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Review possible causes, self-care and warning signs that need medical attention.
About Depression
Persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest
Urgency category: urgent. Common clinician to consult: Psychiatrist.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to various emotional and physical problems.
Symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide in severe cases.
Depression is treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Support from loved ones is also important for recovery.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How to interpret this symptom
Emotional or psychological symptoms can reflect stress, health conditions, medicines, substances or a mental-health condition. Severity, duration and effect on safety and functioning matter.
A clinician may ask about mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, function, medicines, substances, physical symptoms and personal safety. Private assessment should include what support is available.
When depression may need urgent attention
This symptom is classified as urgent in the directory. Seek immediate local emergency or trusted-person support for thoughts, intent or plans to harm yourself or others, severe agitation, psychosis, inability to stay safe or inability to meet basic needs.
Possible causes
- Brain chemistry
- Hormonal changes
- Inherited traits
- Early childhood trauma
- Life events and stress
- Medical conditions
Self-care
- Stay connected with others
- Engage in physical activity
- Set realistic goals
- Get adequate sleep
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
Self-care limits
Use supportive routines, reduce isolation, avoid alcohol or drugs as coping, and reach out early to trusted support. Do not stop prescribed mental-health medicines without the prescriber's advice.
When to seek medical help
- Persistent sadness for more than 2 weeks
- Loss of interest in activities
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Difficulty functioning in daily life
Preparing for a consultation
- When symptoms began and what changed in daily life.
- Sleep, appetite, work, relationships and functioning.
- Medicines, substances and relevant life stressors.
- Any safety concerns and support available.
Questions worth asking
- What are the most likely and most important causes of Depression?
- Which warning signs should make me seek urgent or emergency care?
- Do I need an examination, tests or referral now?
- Which self-care measures are safe for me, and which should I avoid?
- Is Psychiatrist the right specialist for this pattern?
- When should I expect improvement, and when should I return or seek review?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes symptom information and cannot confirm a cause or choose treatment. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Common questions
What does Depression mean?
Persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest A symptom is a reported experience or sign; it does not identify one diagnosis by itself.
What can cause Depression?
Possible contributors listed include Brain chemistry, Hormonal changes, Inherited traits, Early childhood trauma, Life events and stress. A cause cannot be confirmed without assessment.
When is Depression urgent?
This symptom is classified as urgent in the directory. Seek immediate local emergency or trusted-person support for thoughts, intent or plans to harm yourself or others, severe agitation, psychosis, inability to stay safe or inability to meet basic needs. Persistent sadness for more than 2 weeks. Loss of interest in activities. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What can I safely do at home?
General measures listed include Stay connected with others, Engage in physical activity, Set realistic goals, Get adequate sleep. These are not a substitute for medical assessment when symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning. Use supportive routines, reduce isolation, avoid alcohol or drugs as coping, and reach out early to trusted support. Do not stop prescribed mental-health medicines without the prescriber's advice.
Who should evaluate Depression?
The listed clinician type is Psychiatrist. A general clinician can often assess the symptom first and refer you if specialist care is needed.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When symptoms began and what changed in daily life. Sleep, appetite, work, relationships and functioning. Medicines, substances and relevant life stressors. Any safety concerns and support available. Bring medicines, recent reports and relevant photographs or readings where useful.
General information only. If symptoms are severe, new, persistent, or worrying, seek advice from a qualified clinician.