When ordinary tasks start to feel unusually difficult, it deserves attention. Losing interest in friends, struggling to concentrate, or feeling persistently empty can signal something more than a difficult day.

Depression can affect children, teenagers, adults and older people, regardless of gender or background. It is a health condition that can affect how someone feels, thinks and manages daily life. 

Recognising it creates an opportunity to seek support and treatment.

What Signs Should You Look For?

Possible symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or irritability.
• Losing interest or enjoyment in usual activities.
• Sleeping much more or less than usual.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Low energy or ongoing tiredness.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness.
• Thoughts about death or suicide.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Pay attention to changes that persist and interfere with school, work, relationships, or self-care. 

A depressive episode typically involves symptoms lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. That is not an instruction to wait before asking for help, especially when distress is severe. 

It Can Look Different Across Life Stages

Children and teenagers may become unusually irritable, anxious or withdrawn. Difficulties attending school, changes in sleep, and loss of interest in friends or activities deserve attention. 

During pregnancy or after childbirth, persistent depression symptoms also need assessment and support. They should not be treated as a personal failing. 

Older adults can experience depression alongside bereavement, isolation, chronic illness or caring responsibilities. WHO warns that mental health conditions in older people are often overlooked and undertreated. 

These changes can have several explanations. A professional assessment can help identify what is happening.

Take the First Step Towards Care

You can begin with a GP, local clinic or qualified mental health professional.

Before the appointment, write down:

• When the changes began.
• How sleep, appetite, energy and mood have changed.
• Which everyday activities have become difficult.
• Current medication and relevant health conditions.

Physical conditions and some medicines can produce symptoms resembling depression, so assessment matters.

Effective treatments include psychological therapies and, where appropriate, medication. Treatment should suit the person’s age, symptoms, needs and preferences. 

Support Someone Without Trying to Fix Everything

Start with a calm observation:

“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Would you like to talk?”

Listen without judgement. Avoid telling someone to “snap out of it” or assuming that advice alone will resolve the problem.

Offer something specific:

• Help arranging an appointment.
• Transport or company for the visit.
• A meal or assistance with an everyday task.
• Another check-in at an agreed time.

SADAG recommends listening, encouraging professional care and following up with practical support.

Regular meals, manageable activity, sleep routines and social connection can support wellbeing. They complement care rather than replace needed treatment. 

When Help Is Urgent

Take talk of suicide, having no reason to live or feeling others would be better off without the person seriously.

If you are worried, ask directly:

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

 

WHO says asking does not cause someone to act on suicidal thoughts and can help them feel understood. If someone appears to be in immediate danger, stay with them if safe and contact emergency help. 

In South Africa:

• Cellphone emergency: 112
• Ambulance: 10177 
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567

You Can Ask for Help Before You Have the Answers

You do not need to diagnose yourself or find the perfect words. Describing what has changed is a useful place to begin.

Depression is treatable. Asking for an assessment opens the door to finding the right care.