Depression in Adults: Overview (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: NHS (National Health Service, UK) · Published: August 6, 2026 · Accessed: August 6, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Depression is more than feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days: when depressed, people feel persistently sad for weeks or months.
• Depression symptoms range from lasting unhappiness and hopelessness to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful.
• It is important to seek help from a GP if you think you may be depressed; the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.
• Treatment for depression can involve lifestyle changes, talking therapies such as CBT, and medicines; moderate to severe depression often uses a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants.
• Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can 'snap out of'; with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.