depression

When to consider
seeing a doctor
Often, periods of low mood won’t last very
long. For example, if there is an obvious
cause, your mood may lift once the problem
is resolved. If your feelings of depression are
particularly strong or last for more than two
weeks, you might want to consider seeing
your GP. For example:
• if negative feelings continue for several
weeks or are getting worse
• if the symptoms are interfering with
your daily life
• if you’re having thoughts of self-harm
or thinking that life is not worth living
• if family and friends are worried
• if you’ve fixed a practical problem that
may have triggered your depression,
but still feel down.
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