Clinical depression can make everyday life feel exhausting and overwhelming. When low mood becomes persistent and even small tasks start to feel unmanageable, it may be a sign that you’re experiencing more than temporary sadness. Understanding the signs of clinical depression can help you recognise when it’s time to seek professional support.
At Priory, we offer specialist treatment for clinical depression, tailored to your needs and delivered by experienced mental health professionals across the UK.
Clinical depression is the most severe form of depression. It’s also known as major depressive disorder, unipolar depression or chronic depression. Unlike short-term low mood, clinical depression involves persistent and intense symptoms that affect how you think, feel and function over time.
People living with clinical depression may find it difficult to manage daily responsibilities such as personal care, work, relationships or household tasks. Many also experience distressing thoughts about self-harm or suicide. For this reason, clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that requires professional treatment.
The good news is that clinical depression is highly treatable. With the right combination of therapy, medication and ongoing support, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Depression symptoms can look similar across different types of depression, but with clinical depression they are usually more intense and more disruptive to everyday functioning.
You may experience a combination of the following symptoms:
Clinical depression does not have a single cause. It usually develops through a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Some people experience a single severe episode of clinical depression, while others experience recurrent episodes over time.
Receiving a clear diagnosis can be an important step towards getting the right support. A mental health professional such as a GP or psychiatrist will assess your symptoms, how long they’ve been present and how they’re affecting your life.
This assessment may include questions about:
Diagnosis is typically based on recognised clinical criteria. To diagnose clinical depression, symptoms must usually be present for at least two weeks, with persistent low mood or loss of interest forming part of the picture.
You may also find it helpful to complete a free, confidential depression self-assessment to explore your symptoms and next steps.
Clinical depression is treatable, and most people benefit from a tailored combination of therapies, medication and supportive strategies.
At Priory, treatment plans are shaped around your individual needs, preferences and clinical presentation.
Therapy can help you understand the factors contributing to depression, develop healthier thought patterns and build coping skills.
Common approaches include:
Other evidence-based therapies may also be recommended depending on your needs.
Antidepressant medication can be helpful for moderate to severe depression, particularly when used alongside therapy. Options may include:
Your psychiatrist will work with you to find the most appropriate option and monitor its effectiveness.
For people who haven’t responded to other treatments, neuromodulation therapies may be considered. At Priory, this includes repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), offered at selected centres.
Treatment can be delivered in different settings depending on how much support you need:
Your clinician will help you decide which option is most appropriate.
Lifestyle changes are not a replacement for treatment, but they can support wellbeing alongside professional care.
This may include:
Reaching out for help can feel daunting, but support is available. Clinical depression is treatable, and many people experience meaningful improvement with the right care.
At Priory, we provide fast access to specialist depression treatment across the UK, including inpatient, day care, outpatient and online options. You can contact us directly or arrange a mental health assessment to explore your treatment options.
If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek urgent help through emergency services or a 24-hour helpline such as Samaritans on 116 123.
You do not have to manage clinical depression alone. With compassionate, professional support, it’s possible to move towards greater stability and wellbeing.
