How do I talk to a doctor about depression?

Simpler than you fear. You do not need the right vocabulary, and you do not need to be sure it is depression. Open with what changed: "I have been exhausted for a month and nothing is fun anymore" is a perfect start. Clinicians hear sentences like that every week, and NIMH confirms primary care providers are a completely normal first stop for mental health concerns - you can also use a telehealth visit if that feels easier. Three things make the conversation productive. First, duration: say how many weeks this has lasted, because two weeks of daily symptoms is the line clinicians use. Second, specifics: sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and whether you still enjoy anything. Third, honesty about safety: if you have had thoughts of suicide or self-harm, say it out loud. It changes the plan, and the clinician will not judge you for it. Bring a written list if you worry you will freeze - symptoms, questions, and every medication and supplement you take. And ask directly about both treatment paths: medication and talk therapy, since NIMH notes they are often used together. If the first appointment does not lead to a plan that feels right, you can ask for a referral or a second opinion - that is a normal part of getting care, not an insult to the clinician. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. It is a low-pressure place to practice describing what you feel, sort your symptoms, and build your question list before the appointment.