Depression

What it can feel like

• Sad, empty, numb, irritable, or disconnected
• Things that mattered no longer feel rewarding
• Guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or feeling like a burden
• Low energy, slowed thinking, poor concentration, or restlessness

What an evaluation considers

A clinician considers how long the change has lasted, its effect on daily life, suicide risk, past elevated mood, medications, substances, grief, sleep, and medical concerns.

First steps

Tell someone you trust, schedule a primary-care or mental-health evaluation, keep a simple mood and sleep record, and protect basic routines such as meals, movement, and getting out of bed.