Depression
A heaviness that doesn't lift — and a leading reason people first reach out for support.
What it is
Depression is more than a string of bad days. It's a persistent low mood, loss of interest in things that used to matter, or a sense of heaviness that doesn't lift with rest or a change of scenery. It can show up gradually or arrive all at once, and it affects how you think about yourself, relate to others, and move through ordinary tasks.
Common signs
- A flat or low mood most of the day, most days, for two weeks or more
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Trouble concentrating or making even small decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or unusually slowed down
- Changes in appetite or weight without trying
Good to know
Depression doesn't always look like sadness. It's common, particularly for men, to experience it as irritability, restlessness, or anger rather than low mood, which can make it harder for people around them to recognize. Depression after childbirth is also common and is distinct from the short-lived “baby blues” — it lasts longer and deserves the same level of care as depression at any other time.
What helps
Most people improve with some combination of talk therapy, medication, and rebuilding the basics — sleep, movement, and connection with other people. None of these need to happen perfectly or all at once; starting with one small step, like a single walk-in counselling appointment, is enough to begin.
When to seek help
If a low mood has lasted more than two weeks and is making daily life harder, it's worth talking to someone — a family doctor, a walk-in counsellor, or 811. If you're having thoughts of suicide, see Crisis & Safety, or call or text 988 right now.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.