Low mood and depression

Difficult events and experiences can leave us in low spirits or cause depression.

What's the difference between low mood and depression?

When to get help for low mood or depression

What types of help are available?

Self-help

Talking therapies

When to seek help immediately



It could be relationship problems, [bereavement](/mind/coping-with-bereavement/#bereavement-coping-with-bereavement), sleep problems, stress at work, [bullying](/self-care/anti-bullying-help/#bullying-Antibullyinghelp), chronic illness or pain.

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

## What's the difference between low mood and depression?

A general low mood can include:

- sadness
- feeling anxious or panicky
- worry
- tiredness
- [low self-esteem](/mind/dealing-with-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, like resolving a difficult situation, talking about your problems or getting more sleep, can usually improve your mood.

A low mood that doesn't go away can be a sign of [depression](/health-library/conditions/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 or losing your appetite
- sleeping more than usual or being unable to sleep
- having [suicidal thoughts](/health-library/conditions/suicide) or thoughts about [harming yourself](/health-library/conditions/self-injury)

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



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## 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 doctor. Your doctor can discuss your symptoms with you and make a diagnosis.



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## What types of help are available?

If you're diagnosed with depression, your doctor will discuss all of the available treatment options with you, including self-help, talking therapies and [antidepressants](/health-library/treatments/antidepressant-drugs).

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## 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, eating a healthy diet, reducing your alcohol intake and getting [regular exercise](/physical-activity/active-lifestyle/#fitness-Activelifestyle), 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 doctor has prescribed antidepressants, it's important that you carry on taking them.

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## Talking therapies

There are lots of different types of talking therapies available. To help you decide which one would suit you best, talk to your doctor about different types of talking therapies.

In some areas, you can refer yourself directly to your local psychological therapies service.

### Antidepressants

[Antidepressants](/health-library/treatments/antidepressant-drugs) are commonly used to treat depression. There are several types available.

If your doctor prescribes you antidepressants, they'll discuss the different types and which one would suit you best.

Learn more about antidepressants.

## When to seek help immediately

If you start to feel like your life isn't worth living, or that you want to harm yourself, get help straight away.

Either see your doctor or go to the Emergency Department. If you live in the UK you can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, non-judgmental emotional support.

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References

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Article information

Making some small changes in your life, such as resolving a difficult situation, talking about your problems or [getting more sleep](http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/sleep/Pages/sleep-home.aspx), can usually improve your mood.

A low mood that doesn't go away can be a sign of depression.

Low mood and depression - Healthily

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