Low mood vs depression – what’s the difference?
We all feel sad or down from time to time. But when does low mood become depression? And, what is the difference between the two? Here, I look at how low mood differs from depression and the symptoms of both. I also offer advice on where to go for support if you’re struggling with your mental health.
What are the symptoms of low mood?
If you’re experiencing low mood, you might feel sad or unhappy. It’s normal to feel like this from time to time, especially if you’re experiencing stress or going through a difficult time in your life. These feelings may last for a few days.
The difference between low mood and depression, is that depression tends to last longer than a couple of weeks. And the feelings are often more intense. It can also affect how you function in your daily life. If you have depression, it’s likely that you’ll need to have treatment to help you feel better.
What are the symptoms of depression?
If you’re experiencing depression, you might:
- feel hopeless or worthless
- have no pleasure in life or in the things you used to enjoy
- have difficulty concentrating
- lose your appetite or start eating much more than usual
- move very slowly or feel very restless
- have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it can be really difficult to cope with. If you feel able to, it can help to reach out to a loved one and talk about how you feel.
Your GP will also be able to provide support and advice, and together, you can put some steps in place to help you start to feel better.
What can trigger depression?
We don’t know for certain what causes depression, and sometimes there’s no clear cause or event that triggers it. But there are some factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing depression. These include:
- having experienced abuse or some form of trauma as a child
- going through a big life change such as the end of a relationship or losing your job
- experiencing bereavement
- having a long-term health condition
- having another mental health problem such as anxiety
- having a close family member with depression
How common is low mood and depression?
Everyone feels low at some point. It’s normal to feel sad at times, especially when going through a challenging time or life event.
Depression is also common. Mental health charity Mind state that one in six people experience a mental health problem like anxiety and depression each week in England.
What can I do if I feel low?
If you’re feeling low, or going through a difficult time, there are ways to help give your mental health a boost. It can help to try the following.
- It can be hard when you’re feeling low, but being kind to yourself and practising self-care can help. This could be taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing some mindfulness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while you’re feeling low. Although it might make you feel better temporarily, it’s likely to make you feel worse afterwards.
- Try to get a good night’s sleep. Limiting caffeine and avoiding blue light from smartphones before bed can help you get better rest.
- If you feel able to, get some exercise. Physical activity can help to boost the hormones that make us feel good. If you take part in a group activity, or play sport outside this can also help. Socialising with others and being outdoors in nature can also be good for our mental wellbeing.
- Try to eat a healthy balanced diet. Feeling low can affect your appetite. But not eating at regular times, or not getting enough nutrients can make you feel worse.
If you feel that your mood isn’t improving after a few weeks, or it’s interfering with your daily life, speak to your GP for advice.
If you need help now
This page is designed to provide general health information. If you need help now, please use the following services.
- Samaritans. 116 123 (UK and ROI) - This helpline is free for you to call and talk to someone.
- NHS Services has a list of where to get urgent help for mental health.
- Mind website. Click the ‘Get help now’ button on the page. This is a tool that is designed to help you understand what’s happening to you and how you can help yourself.
If you think you might harm yourself or are worried someone else might come to immediate harm, call the emergency services on 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department.
If you’re worried about your mental health, our direct access service aims to provide you with the advice, support and treatment you need as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to get mental health advice and support usually without the need for a GP referral. Learn more today.
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Sources Sources
- Low Mood & Depression. Mind your head. Mindyourhead.org. Last accessed April 2025
- Personal communication, Samantha Wild, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health and Bupa GP, April 2025
- Depression in adults. Royal College of Psychiatrists. Rspsych.ac.uk. Published October 2020
- Depression. Mind. Mind.org.uk. Published April 2023
- Mental health facts and statistics. Mind. Mind.org.uk. Published June 2020
- How to improve your mental wellbeing. Mind. Mind.org.uk. Published April 2023
- Physical activity and your mental health. Mind. Mind.org.uk. Published 2019
- Food and mood. British Dietetic Association (BDA). bda.uk.com. Published August 2020
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