Low mood, loss of interest — which specialty
Sadness or emptiness most of the time for weeks, and no longer enjoying what you used to.
Usually seen by
PsychiatryClinical psychology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Endocrinology — with fatigue, cold intolerance or weight gain
- General internal medicine — with persistent pain or a long-term condition under treatment
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Thoughts of not wanting to go on, or having thought of a specific method — this is a reason to seek help TODAY, through family, a support line, or an emergency department
- Not eating or drinking for days
- Not being able to care for yourself
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- How long, and whether it is nearly every day or only some
- Whether sleep, appetite or weight have changed
- Whether you still enjoy what you used to enjoy
- Whether you feel you are a burden
- Whether you are using more alcohol or anything else
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A note of when it started and what changed in your life around then
- A relative with you if you would like that
What a first visit usually involves
- Conversation, not machines
- Screening questionnaires
- Basic tests to exclude a physical cause
- A discussion of support that fits your circumstances