Depression can make everyday life feel overwhelming and exhausting. It can be hard to explain what you are going through, or to know where to turn, but you do not have to face it alone.
With the right support, many people find their symptoms ease and life starts to feel more manageable again.
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help. If low mood has lasted for a while, daily life feels harder to manage, or you no longer enjoy things you once did, it may be time to speak to someone.
Your first step might be talking to your GP, completing a depression self-assessment, or booking a confidential mental health assessment with Priory.
During an assessment, a clinician will ask about how you have been feeling, how long symptoms have been present, and how they are affecting your daily life. They may also ask about sleep, appetite and whether there are any safety concerns. The aim is to understand your experiences and help identify the most appropriate support.
If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999, go to A&E, or contact Samaritans on 116 123. You can also call NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Depression is diagnosed based on patterns of symptoms over time, rather than short-term changes in mood. A depression diagnosis is usually considered when low mood or loss of interest has lasted for at least two weeks and is affecting everyday functioning.
Other symptoms may include changes in sleep, appetite or energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm. Depression may be described as mild, moderate or severe, which helps guide treatment decisions.
Clinicians will also consider related conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or trauma, as these can influence treatment options. Although diagnosis can feel daunting, many people find it is a relieving and empowering step.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Most people benefit from a combination of approaches tailored to their symptoms, preferences and circumstances.
Treatment options may include psychological therapies, antidepressant medication, lifestyle support, specialist interventions such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or inpatient care for more severe or complex depression.
Therapy provides structured, evidence-based support to help you understand what is contributing to your depression and develop healthier coping strategies.
Options may include cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, interpersonal therapy to address relationship-based triggers, psychodynamic therapy to explore past experiences, or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to reduce negative thought spirals.
Group therapy can also help reduce isolation by connecting you with others who share similar experiences. Therapy at Priory can be delivered individually or in groups, in person or online.
Antidepressant medication can help regulate brain chemicals that influence mood, energy and sleep. Common options include SSRIs and SNRIs, with other medications considered under specialist supervision if needed.
It often takes several weeks to notice improvements, and regular reviews help ensure treatment remains effective and manageable. For many people with moderate or severe depression, medication alongside therapy offers the strongest outcomes.
If standard treatments have not been effective, alternative approaches may be recommended.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive therapy that stimulates areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Structured lifestyle and nutritional support may also be included to improve overall wellbeing.
Needing specialist care does not mean recovery is out of reach. It simply means a different level or type of support may be needed.
When depression significantly affects safety or daily functioning, inpatient or residential care can provide a stabilising environment.
This includes 24-hour support, intensive therapy, medication management and a structured routine away from external pressures. Inpatient care offers space to rest, reset and begin recovery, with step-down options such as day care or outpatient therapy available afterwards.
Self-care supports recovery alongside clinical treatment. Small, realistic steps such as maintaining a sleep routine, eating regularly, gentle movement and staying connected with trusted people can help improve stability.
Struggling with self-care is a symptom of depression, not a personal failing. These strategies support treatment rather than replace it.
Priory offers rapid access to depression treatment across its UK hospitals and wellbeing centres. Support is available through outpatient therapy, day care programmes, inpatient care and online therapy. You can self-refer for a confidential assessment without needing a GP referral.
Funding options include self-pay, private medical insurance and corporate arrangements.
You can also access support through your GP, NHS Talking Therapies services, or charities such as Mind. The Hub of Hope directory can help you find local support services.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or feel unable to keep yourself safe, seek urgent medical help by calling 999, going to A&E, or contacting NHS 111. Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
Reaching out in crisis is a sign that you deserve care and support.
Depression is treatable and recovery is possible. Whether you need weekly therapy, online support or more intensive care, specialist support can help you move forward.
You can book a confidential mental health assessment with Priory and take the first step towards feeling better.
