Depression

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You've been experiencing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness for two weeks or more.
You've lost interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, and this impacts your daily life.
You've noticed significant changes in your appetite or weight (weight loss/gain without trying, changes in eating habits).
You have trouble sleeping or sleep too much, and this disrupts your daily routine.
You feel restless or slowed down, unable to focus on tasks or activities.
You have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
You have thoughts of death or suicide, even if they seem fleeting.
You have serious thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
You feel overwhelmed by your depression and unable to cope.
You experience sudden or significant changes in mood or behaviour.
You have hallucinations or delusions (seeing or hearing things that aren't there, believing things that aren't true).
You have a personal or family history of suicide attempts.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You've been experiencing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness for two weeks or more.
You've lost interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, and this impacts your daily life.
You've noticed significant changes in your appetite or weight (weight loss/gain without trying, changes in eating habits).
You have trouble sleeping or sleep too much, and this disrupts your daily routine.
You feel restless or slowed down, unable to focus on tasks or activities.
You have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
You have thoughts of death or suicide, even if they seem fleeting.
You have serious thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
You feel overwhelmed by your depression and unable to cope.
You experience sudden or significant changes in mood or behaviour.
You have hallucinations or delusions (seeing or hearing things that aren't there, believing things that aren't true).
You have a personal or family history of suicide attempts.

Do’s:

Seek professional help: If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, don't hesitate to reach out to a doctor, therapist, or mental health professional.
Develop a support network: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a support group. Sharing your experiences can help you feel less alone and provide valuable encouragement.
Practice self-care: Prioritise activities that nourish your mind and body. This could include regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
Set realistic goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small accomplishments and avoid getting discouraged by setbacks.
Challenge negative thoughts: Depression can lead to negative self-talk. Practice recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, and replace them with more positive and realistic self-beliefs.
Learn about depression: Educating yourself about depression and its treatment options can empower you to take an active role in your recovery.
Explore treatment options: There are various evidence-based treatments for depression, including therapy (like cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT), medication, or a combination of both. Work with your doctor to find the approach that best suits your needs.
Be patient: Recovery from depression takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Don't:

Isolate yourself: Social connection is important for mental health. Don't withdraw from friends and family.
Ignore your symptoms: Ignoring depression won't make it go away. Addressing it head-on through professional help and self-care strategies is essential for healing.
Compare yourself to others: Everyone experiences depression differently. Focus on your own journey and recovery.
Self-medicate with alcohol or drugs: Substances may offer temporary relief, but they can worsen depression in the long run.
Make major life decisions: Depression can cloud judgement. Wait until you're feeling more stable to make significant decisions.
Neglect your physical health: Healthy lifestyle choices can significantly impact your mood. Prioritise good sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.
Give up on yourself: Depression is treatable. With the right support and effort, you can feel better and live a fulfilling life.

Possible Questions:

How long have you been feeling sad, hopeless, or disinterested in activities you used to enjoy?
How severe are these feelings? Would you describe them as mild, moderate, or severe?
Have you experienced any changes in your appetite or sleep patterns?
Do you have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or feeling restless?
Have you had any thoughts of death or suicide?
How are these symptoms impacting your work, relationships, or daily activities?
Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or motivation?
Have you experienced any recent stressful life events or major changes?
Do you have any other medical conditions or are you taking any medications currently?
Have you ever been diagnosed with depression or any other mental health condition in the past?
Does anyone in your family have a history of depression or mental illness?

1.Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of depression?

Depression can manifest differently in each person. Some frequent symptoms include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little, eating more or less)
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
Restlessness or feeling slowed down
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

When should I seek help for depression?

If you experience several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, especially if they interfere with your daily life, it's important to seek professional help. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is depression diagnosed at LIPS?

At LIPS, our specialists diagnose depression through a comprehensive evaluation. This may involve:

Discussing your symptoms, medical history, and family history
Performing a mental health assessment

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

3.DIagnosis

How long does it take to get diagnosed with depression?

During your initial consultation at LIPS, our team works efficiently to reach a diagnosis. In many cases, a diagnosis can be confirmed on the same day.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Treatment

What treatment options are available for depression at LIPS?

LIPS offers a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include:

Medication: Antidepressant medications can help regulate brain chemicals that contribute to depression.
Therapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you understand and manage your symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and improve mood.
Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

How long does it take for depression to improve with treatment?

The speed of improvement depends on the severity of your depression and the treatment approach. However, many people start to feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

5.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers. Our dedicated team can assist you in verifying your coverage and understanding any associated costs for depression diagnosis and treatment.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific insurance plan. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the best possible care to manage your depression.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.