A low mood is very different to depression, however a low mood can become depressing when it is frequent and affects your family, work and every day life.
It's not uncommon for people to feel low without knowing why, or to burst into tears for an apparently unknown reason, but if left unchecked, these mild feelings can lead to a greater sense of heaviness, and result in serious mental health disorder.
How to tell if you are feeling depressed?
The Depression Alliance UK say that if you are experiencing four or more of these symptoms, nearly all day, every day you need to seek help for depression:
- Tiredness / loss of energy
- sadness
- loss of appetite
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling no joy or pleasure
- feeling guilty or worthless
- loss of sex drive
- difficulties functioning at work/school
- avoiding friends / other people
- sleeping difficulties
- thinking about self-harm / suicide
Natural treatments for low mood & depression
Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE recommends the following 10 steps to combat low mood
- Regular exercise to release happy endorphins
- Daily dose of sunlight to synchronise our natural rhythms (a lack of natural light causes SAD)
- Say NO to unreasonable demands on your time and energy
- De-clutter your life and simplify your routines - a clear run will help you feel in control
- Rest - you cannot get enough rest and good sleep when feeling low, so take naps and early nights
- Make time to do the things that give you joy. Put your needs first
- Tal to others, let them know how you are feeling. Bottling things up does not help
- Refrain from alcohol or drugs - it's too easy to lean on them, but they don't help you see clearly
- Enjoy a well balanced diet & avoid food cravings. Stock up on healthy snacks to avoid temptation
- Use a licensed herbal remedy like St John's Wort - natures cure for low moods. Taken regularly it boosts your mood and self esteem