Low mood, sadness and depression

Signs of a low mood include feeling sad, anxious and more tired than usual. A low mood that lasts more than 2 weeks could be depression.

If you have a low mood, it can help to talk to other people, take regular exercise and try to avoid focusing on things you cannot change.

You may need medical help if your low mood does not go away and nothing you are trying seems to help.

A general low mood can make you feel sad, anxious or panicky, angry or frustrated and low on confidence and self-esteem. It can also make you feel tired, or cause problems sleeping.

A low mood often gets better after a few days or weeks.

It's usually possible to improve a low mood by making small changes in your life. For example, resolving something that's bothering you or getting more sleep.

Symptoms of depression

If you have a low mood that lasts 2 weeks or more, it could be a sign of depression.

Other symptoms of depression may include:

• not getting any enjoyment out of life
• feeling hopeless
• not being able to concentrate on everyday things
• having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming yourself

• try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, healthcare professional or counsellor

• consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other

• get regular exercise – this may improve your mood and help you sleep better

• eat a healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy levels stable

• try mindfulness techniques, where you focus on the present moment

• do not try to do everything at once – set small targets that you can easily achieve

• do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy on helping yourself feel better

• try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most people feel low sometimes and support is available

• try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve a low mood – these can all contribute to poor mental health

If your low mood does not go away and the things you’re doing are not helping, then you may need medical help.

• you've had a low mood for more than 2 weeks
• you're struggling to cope with a low mood
• things you're trying yourself are not helping
• you would prefer to get a referral from a GP