It’s very natural as humans to suffer with mood swings. You may feel low and sad for a short period of time, which could be due to your environment, your relationships, stress or hormonal changes within the body. If low mood is taking over your life and stopping you from doing the things that you once loved, then depression could be a contributing factor.
You may have some questions about the common differences, so let’s explore some of them.
1. Generally, the cause for a person’s low mood is because of a very specific issue. Similar to what is stated above, it could be anything from the loss of a loved one, rocky relationships, dealing with a divorce or losing a job.
With depression, it’s not so simple. There can be a number of reasons that individuals may suffer, but typically this is not as a result of one specific thing. Many problems could be unrelated to day-to-day life and individual circumstances.
Some healthcare professionals believe that depression could be a result of a combination of different causes. Including faulty mood regulations in the brain, excessively stressful events and problems with medication.
2. Although the symptoms of low mood and depression may seem similar, there are a few that stand out to differentiate the two.
Low mood can cause a person to suffer with low self-esteem and self-motivation. They may feel an overwhelming sense of worry, frustration and sadness. Due to the strain on a person’s body, this can also lead to them being unusually tired.
Whilst depression shares some of the same symptoms as having low mood, the other symptoms are often more severe. A person may feel hopeless about the future and label themselves as ‘worthless’. They might shut themselves off from doing things they once loved and avoid any social contact.
This empty feeling can also present itself in physical aches and pains, as well as drastic changes in weight or appetite.
3. Typically, a person suffering with low mood will only experience symptoms for a short period of time. They’re able to get out of the ‘funk’ by resolving or talking through their worries and struggles.
However, a person who has symptoms of depression will carry this feeling with them all the time. It could feel like it may never end or that they can’t imagine life without this sadness.
4. To treat low mood, a person may seek advice from their doctor. It’s not necessary to be suffering with severe symptoms to look for help. Although, it has been previously suggested that there are things to do from home to boost your mood. Such as:
- Exercise. The release of endorphins could contribute towards a lifted mood.
- Avoiding alcohol as this has been known to be a depressant.
- Taking time to embrace nature. Research found that just 5 minutes breathing in fresh air can spark an influx of positive emotions.
The impact of low mood or depression can be overwhelming and confusing, but there are options available. It’s useful to differentiate between the two so that you have an idea of what to do next in your journey. However, the best option is always to seek the opinion of your doctor.