When to seek assessment
Depression can affect mood, interest, sleep, energy and daily functioning. Persistent or troubling changes deserve assessment; a symptom checklist cannot diagnose someone.
Support without blame
Listen, encourage professional help and offer practical support with appointments and daily routines. Treatment can involve psychotherapy, medication or both, based on assessment.
When help is urgent
If someone may harm themselves or is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services and stay with them if it is safe. In Iran, call 115.
About the study note
The Persian illustration is a study summary, not a diagnosis. Depression has multiple contributing factors; the chemical-imbalance wording in the image is an oversimplification.
Further reading
About this article
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