The Fine Line: Understanding Low Mood vs. Depression
Recently, I have been working with more and more adults and children suffering feelings of sadness, low mood and despair; and I find people asking me what is the difference between low mood/down days and depression and when should they be concerned?
In this blog, I hope to shed a little light on this subject and let people know help is around and it is OK to ask for it 💕
AM I DEPRESSED OR FEELING SAD?
It is common to hear these terms: low mood, sadness, depression - used interchangeably, but it's important to understand their differences, especially when assessing our and our loved one’s emotional well-being.
Low mood is something we all experience at one time or another. Think about those days when the weather is gloomy, and you just can't seem to find your spark. Or times when something disappointing happens and it dampens your spirits for a bit.
These feelings are natural and are usually reactions to specific events or situations. They might last a few hours or a few days, but they tend to lift on their own, especially when there’s a change in circumstances or with the support of loved ones.
Depression, on the other hand, is more complex. It's not just about feeling sad or down. It's a persistent state that lasts for at least two weeks and often much longer. People with depression might experience a range of symptoms, including a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep and even physical pain.
What is crucial to understand about depression is that it’s not always tied to an external event. Sometimes it comes about without a clear reason or cause.
WHY IS IS IMPORTANT TO DIFFERENTIATE?
This distinction matters because understanding the nature of what you or your loved ones are experiencing can guide your next steps.
Everyone has their off days or moments, and they can usually be addressed with some self-care, rest or a chat with a close friend.
However, when low mood lingers and starts to interfere with daily life, it might be a sign of something more profound, like depression.
WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE REACH OUT FOR HELP?
Here are some things to consider:
Lastly, always remember that there's no shame in seeking help. Whether you're experiencing a temporary dip in mood or dealing with depression, your feelings are valid. Everyone's journey with mental health is unique and understanding the nuances can make all the difference in finding the right path towards healing and well-being.
I have lots of effective tools at Nekawa to help with low mood, releasing the energy of past negative experiences, building resilience and teaching tools to help navigate everyday life.
If you are already working with a mental health professional, the work I do here can give extra support in areas such as sleep, motivation, building resilience and moving forward.
Thank you for taking time to read this and please share around to help shed some light.
If you or someone you love needs urgent help, here is what you need to know
This page provides phone numbers for urgent support plus and what is available in your town.
For more information on depression and help available in NZ
https://www.depression.org.nz/
Look after yourselves and remember help is around even if you can’t get your own head around it someone else can 💕
