Low mood

We all have times when we feel down or have a low mood. When the feeling of extreme sadness lasts for weeks, months, or even longer, we call this 'depression'. Depression is experienced by many people - some may have a single bout and recover well, others may have recurring periods of depression throughout their lives.

The World Health Organisation has produced a short film explaining how someone experiencing depression can be overwhelmed by negative feelings, but also how you can learn to manage your mood and enjoy a full life.

Do you recognise these common signs of low mood or depression?

What you feel:

  • Sadness, guilt, despair
  • Numbness, losing interest or enjoyment in things
  • Loneliness - even if you are in company
  • Anger and irritability, often without provocation

What you think:

  • Loss of confidence
  • Expecting the worst and having negative or gloomy thoughts
  • Poor memory or concentration
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Thinking you hate yourself
  • Hopelessness

What happens to your body:

  • Tiredness
  • Lack of energy
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Feeling worse at a particular time of day, usually mornings
  • Changes in weight, appetite and eating

What you do:

  • Disinterest in everyday tasks
  • Putting things off
  • Constant worrying
  • Not doing things you used to enjoy
  • Cutting yourself off from other people
  • Crying a lot or being unable to cry when a truly sad event occurs

The more symptoms you recognise, the more likely you are to be experiencing low mood or depression which is having an effect on your life. If you are ready to make changes to improve your wellbeing, then we may be able to help:

You can also find more information on NHS Choices and in Our useful resources and links.