Low Mood or Depression, What’s the Difference?

Most of us experience periods when we feel low.

You might feel sad, fed up, tired, less confident or simply not quite yourself.

Often these feelings pass.

But if they continue, become more intense or start affecting everyday life, you might begin wondering:

“Am I just feeling low, or could this be depression?”

There is not always a simple dividing line, and depression cannot be identified from one feeling or symptom alone.

What is low mood?

Low mood describes a period when you feel less positive than usual.

It might follow something difficult such as:

problems at work
relationship difficulties
money worries
illness or injury
bereavement
loneliness
disappointment
a major life change
a stressful period

Sometimes there is no obvious reason.

Low mood can affect your energy, confidence, sleep and motivation, but for many people these feelings improve over time.

What is depression?

Depression is more than simply having a bad day or occasionally feeling sad.

It can involve a combination of changes in your mood, thoughts, behaviour and physical wellbeing.

Someone experiencing depression might notice:

persistent low mood
losing interest or enjoyment in things
low energy or tiredness
changes in sleep
changes in appetite
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
feelings of guilt or worthlessness
becoming more withdrawn
difficulty managing everyday activities

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way.

Some people may continue working, looking after their family and appearing to manage while experiencing significant difficulties internally.

Is the difference just how long it lasts?

Duration matters, but it is not the only consideration.

NHS guidance says that low mood lasting two weeks or more could be a sign of depression.

But healthcare professionals do not simply count the number of days somebody has felt unhappy.

They may also consider:

How strongly are you experiencing the symptoms?

How often are they happening?

How much are they affecting your everyday life?

Have you lost interest or enjoyment in things?

Are you finding it harder to work, maintain relationships or look after yourself?

The overall picture matters.

Can I still have depression if I’m functioning normally?

Appearing to function does not necessarily tell us how somebody is feeling.

You may still be going to work, looking after children, seeing other people or completing everyday tasks while finding everything much harder than usual.

That is why it can be useful to think about effort as well as ability.

Ask yourself:

“Am I managing normally, or am I using much more energy just to keep everything going?”

Changes from what is normal for you can be important.

Does feeling low for two weeks mean I have depression?

Not necessarily.

The two-week point is useful because continuing low mood is something worth paying attention to.

It is not an automatic diagnosis.

There may be many reasons for changes in mood, energy, sleep or concentration, including physical health problems, difficult circumstances and other mental health concerns.

A healthcare professional can look at the wider picture rather than relying on one symptom or timeframe.

What should I pay attention to?

Instead of trying to diagnose yourself, it may help to notice what has changed.

Ask yourself:

How long have I been feeling different?
Is my mood improving, staying the same or getting worse?
Have I stopped enjoying things?
Has my sleep changed?
Has my appetite changed?
Am I withdrawing from other people?
Am I struggling to concentrate?
Is everyday life becoming harder?
Do I still feel like myself?

Writing down what you notice can sometimes make patterns easier to recognise.

When should I speak to somebody?

Consider seeking professional support if your low mood has lasted for more than two weeks, you are struggling to cope, it is significantly affecting everyday life, or things you have tried yourself are not helping.

You could speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

Adults can also access NHS Talking Therapies in England, and in many areas it is possible to self-refer.

Counselling or other talking therapies may also help some people understand what they are experiencing and explore appropriate ways forward.

You do not need to decide for yourself whether what you are experiencing is “serious enough” before asking for help.

3.1 – Understanding Low Mood
3.2 – Why Do I Feel Low When Nothing Is Obviously Wrong?
3.4 – Why Have I Lost Interest in Things?
3.5 – Why Don’t I Feel Motivated?
3.6 – Small Things to Try When You’re Feeling Low

General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.