Low Mood: Causes, symptoms, and how we can help
What Is Low Mood?
Low mood is an emotional state where you might feel sad, tired, anxious, or frustrated. It can affect how you see yourself and the world around you. While feeling low from time to time is normal, if it lingers and starts to impact your daily life, it may be a sign of depression.
Sometimes low mood is linked to external factors like the loss of a loved one, managing an illness, or stress from work, university, or relationships. But it can also happen without an obvious cause.
The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to wait for your low mood to become severe to seek help. Talking to someone about how you feel can be a valuable first step in understanding and improving your emotional wellbeing.
If you're worried about low mood, you can book an appointment with one of our GPs today.
Past experiences
Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse, neglect, bullying, or the loss of a loved one, can have a lasting impact on mental health.
Current challenges
Stressful situations like a breakup, losing your job, or financial difficulties can contribute to low mood. Even positive changes, like moving house or starting a new job, can feel overwhelming.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after giving birth can cause low mood. While "baby blues" are common, persistent low mood may indicate postnatal depression.
Health conditions
Chronic illnesses, hormonal changes, or side effects of certain medications can all play a role in low mood.
Lifestyle habits
Poor sleep, a lack of exercise, a poor diet, or excessive alcohol or drug use can contribute to feeling low. Loneliness and isolation are also key factors.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Low Mood
When low mood becomes persistent or begins to interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek help.
Getting diagnosed: A GP can ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any past experiences that may be contributing to your low mood. They may also explore whether you’ve been having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Treatment options:
Self-management: Lifestyle changes like better sleep, regular exercise, and eating healthily can make a big difference. Keeping socially active and staying busy are also important.
Talking therapies: Speaking with a trained counsellor or therapist can help you understand and manage your feelings. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for identifying and addressing negative thought patterns.
Medication: Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, may be recommended if other treatments aren’t enough on their own.
How We Can Help
At Doctor Care Anywhere, we’re here to help you take the first step in tackling low mood.
While we can’t provide therapy or issue new prescriptions for antidepressants, we can:
- Discuss your symptoms and recommend practical steps to improve your mood.
- Advise on treatment options, including self-help strategies, therapy, and medication.
- Refer you for private therapy (if you have insurance) or provide information on accessing NHS services.
If your symptoms are severe, we can also provide guidance on when to seek specialist care, such as support from a psychiatrist.
Taking that first step can feel daunting, but talking to a GP can make all the difference. Book a confidential appointment with one of our experienced doctors today to get started.
