Low mood and depression

Difficult events and experiences can leave us in low spirits or cause depression. It could be:

relationship problems
bereavement
sleep problems
stress at work
bullying
chronic illness or pain

Sometimes it's possible to feel down without there being an obvious reason.

If you're experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety phone Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

What's the difference between low mood and depression?

Low mood

A general low mood can include:

sadness
feeling anxious or panicky
worry
tiredness
low self-esteem
frustration
anger

However, a low mood will tend to lift after a few days or weeks.

Making some small changes in your life, such as resolving a difficult situation, talking about your problems or getting more sleep, can usually improve your mood.

Depression

A low mood that doesn't go away can be a sign of depression. Symptoms of depression can include the following:

low mood lasting 2 weeks or more
not getting any enjoyment out of life
feeling hopeless
feeling tired or lacking energy
not being able to concentrate on everyday things like reading the paper or watching television
comfort eating
losing your appetite
sleeping more than usual
being unable to sleep
having suicidal thoughts
having thoughts about harming yourself

Read more about the symptoms of depression.

Depression can also come on at specific points in your life, such as the winter months (seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) and after the birth of a child (postnatal depression).

When to get help for low mood or depression

Whatever the cause, if negative feelings don't go away, are too much for you to cope with, or are stopping you from carrying on with your normal life, you may need to make some changes and get some extra support.

If you're still feeling down after a couple of weeks, talk to your GP or speak to a Breathing Space advisor on 0800 83 85 87 (Mon to Fri 6pm to 2am, 24 hours at the weekend).

If you're feeling distressed, in a state of despair or suicidal out with these hours you can contact NHS 24 on 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

What types of help are available?

If you're diagnosed with depression, your GP will discuss all of the available treatment options with you, including self-help, talking therapies and antidepressants.

Self-help

Whether you have depression or just find yourself feeling down for a while, it could be worth trying some self-help techniques.

Life changes, such as getting a regular good night's sleep, keeping to a healthy diet, reducing your alcohol take and getting regular exercise, can help you feel more in control and more able to cope.

Self-help techniques can include activities such as meditation, breathing exercises and learning ways to think about problems differently. Tools such as self-help books and online counselling can be very effective.

If your GP has prescribed antidepressants, it's important that you carry on taking them.

Talking therapies

There are lots of different types of talking therapies available. To help you decide which one would most suit you, talk to your GP or read about the different types of talking therapies.