Understanding low mood and how it differs from depression

Everyone experiences ups and downs in life. It’s important to try and understand why we might feel down from time-to-time and recognise when low mood might be something more serious.

In this article, we'll discuss what low mood is, its symptoms, and the differences between low mood and depression. We'll also provide tips for improving low mood, helping you to take steps towards a healthy future.

What is low mood?

A low mood is a temporary feeling of sadness or unhappiness that everyone experiences every now and then. It's normal to feel down occasionally, particularly when you’re stressed or going through personal challenges, or disappointments.

A low mood usually only lasts for a short period of time and can be linked to a specific event or situation. Crucially, for it to be defined as low mood (as opposed to something more serious like depression), your feelings of sadness will soon pass.

Common causes of low mood can include:

• Stressful life events, such as job loss, relationship difficulties, or bereavement
• Chronic illness or pain
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin D or B12 levels
• Side effects of certain medications
• Hormonal imbalances or changes, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause

Low mood symptoms

What does low mood feel like? A low mood can share some of the symptoms of depression, such as:

• Feeling sad or upset
• Irritability or frustration
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

However, unlike depression, these symptoms only persist for a short period of time.

It's important to be able to recognise and understand some potential causes of your low mood, as well as the symptoms to look out for. Understanding your emotions can help you to manage your general wellbeing. This means you can take steps to improve your mood if you’re ever feeling low.

The difference between low mood and depression

While low mood and depression share many of the same symptoms, and can be caused by many of the same factors, there are key differences between the two.

The main distinction is how long the symptoms last for and how severe they are. A low mood tends to be quite short-lived and less severe than depression, while depression is a more persistent and debilitating mental health condition.

The impact that depression and low mood have on your daily life differs too. Low mood doesn’t generally  affect your ability to carry out your daily tasks and responsibilities. However, depression can impair your ability to function in lots of different areas of your life, such as work, school or relationships.

Your behaviour will be fundamentally different too. With a low mood, you should still be able to find enjoyment in positive events or activities. People with depression may struggle to feel pleasure even in situations or activities they previously enjoyed.

Tips for improving low mood

The good news is that you can take steps to improve your low mood. These can include:

• Stay active: exercise and mental health are closely linked. Engaging in regular physical activity boosts the ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain, which can help you feel happier and more positive
• Connect with others: reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and experiences. Social interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve your mood
• Practise self-care: mental health and self-care go hand in hand. Prioritise activities that bring you joy, relaxation, or a sense of accomplishment
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: make sure you eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your emotional wellbeing
• Relax: take the pressure off and give yourself time to unwind. Try breathing exercises if you’re feeling anxious, or engage in meditation to help you de-stress. Try to set some time aside each day to focus on yourself
• Seek professional help: if you're struggling to manage your low mood or suspect you might be dealing with depression, it’s important that you reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and support

At Priory, we're dedicated to helping you improve your mental health and wellbeing. If you're experiencing low mood or depression, our compassionate and expert team is here to support you on your journey towards a healthy, fulfilling future. We offer high-quality treatment for mental health, helping you to get back on track.

Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone – we're here to help you live your life to the fullest. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your mental health.