Depression resources myself

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• If your low mood has been present for most days for 2 weeks or more, or it is affecting work, relationships, sleep, eating, motivation, or safety, it is worth seeking proper support.
• If you have a GP or primary care doctor, booking that appointment is often the best next step.
• If you are already under care, consider bringing your results or notes from this page to your next appointment.

Trusted information about depression

• NHS: Depression in adults – overview, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with depression.
• NHS: Symptoms of depression – signs to watch for, including psychological, physical, and social symptoms.
• NIMH: Depression – research-based overview of depression, treatment options, and common questions.
• Mind: Self-care for depression – practical ideas for daily coping when energy and motivation are low.

Things that can help while you are waiting for support

• Reduce the task size: if showering, eating, replying, or tidying feels too big, make the goal smaller rather than abandoning it.
• Externalise the basics: write down meals, sleep, medication, appointments, and one small daily task so your brain is not carrying everything at once.
• Keep contact with one safe person: isolation can make depression feel more convincing and more permanent than it is.
• Move a little if you can: even a short walk or standing outside for 5 to 10 minutes can be a useful interruption to the spiral. The NHS specifically notes exercise can improve mood in mild to moderate depression.
• Notice safety changes: if you feel more trapped, hopeless, impulsive, numb, or detached than usual, treat that as important information.

Professional support options

• GP or primary care doctor
• Psychologist or therapist
• Psychiatrist, especially if symptoms are severe, longstanding, or hard to shift
• Local talking therapies or community mental health services
• Peer support groups if isolation is part of the picture

Urgent help

If you are feeling unsafe, have thoughts of suicide, or feel at risk of acting on them, seek urgent help now rather than waiting.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call, text, or chat in the United States, 24/7.
• NHS: Living with depression – includes guidance on what to do if you are suicidal and how others can help.
• If you are outside the U.S., use your local crisis line or emergency number.

Note: This page is a guide to help you take the next step. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. The NHS, NIMH, Mind, and 988 links above were chosen because they are current official or established support resources.