Suffering from anxiety?
Answer our quick and easy 11 question test to see if you are suffering from anxiety.
Take the testFeeling fed-up, down in the dumps or moody is something we have all experienced. Here at A.Vogel Talks Low Mood, Mental Wellbeing Advisor, Marianna Kilburn, explores the nature of low mood, its causes symptoms and treatments, as well as its relationship to more serious conditions like depression. We have also provided a Q&A service where you can ask Marianna any questions you have about low mood.
Low mood is an emotion we have all experienced. It is a part of normal life, with its ups and downs, good experiences and those which are not so good.
Feeling low in mood is described in a number of ways such as being fed-up, down, sad, worried, worn-out or frustrated. These are very similar to the emotions we might describe if suffering from mild depression, but to a lesser degree of severity.
Unlike depression, those suffering low mood will feel their mood lift (even a little) when good news arrives. In addition, mood swings (being happy one day and sad the next), can be a part of feeling low in mood.
We are more likely to suffer from low mood when under stress. This emotional position gives us a lower ‘capacity’ to cope with the everyday problems we might otherwise be able to take in our stride. This is the reason that anxiety can often accompany episodes of low mood.
It is important to establish if the emotions you are experiencing are due to low mood or depression. Although sharing many similar features, the two conditions are usually managed differently.
Low mood is part of the normal spectrum of emotions we go through in our daily lives. Moods tend to get better as circumstances improve or with the arrival of good news. Depression is a complex medical or psychiatric condition which may be severe and potentially life threatening if left untreated.
The main difference between low mood and depression is that symptoms of depression tend to be more severe and chronic. They also last longer or have a tendency to recur. Depression is also likely to interfere with everyday life – for example, someone with the condition may not have the motivation to leave the house for days at a time.
Just as some people are more prone to feeling depressed, there are those who have a personality make-up giving them a greater tendency to low mood and more likely to feel fed-up, down or sad.
People have a remarkably wide range of personalities. Some just seem cheerful all the time whereas others appear to be constantly weighed down by life’s problems.
One of the main causes of low mood is our mental attitude when we face everyday situations outside our comfort zone. These triggers of low mood include:
There are many treatments which may be used to help improve low mood. These include:
Follow the link for more detailed information on how to treat low moods.
Low mood is an unpleasant condition while it lasts and for most, there is no obvious need to see a doctor. It is worth remembering that you are not alone, and most of the population will have experienced similar episodes of feeling sad, down or fed-up.
However, if you feel that your condition is worsening and suspect that it may be progressing to depression, it is important to speak to your doctor. Signs of this happening include more frequent bouts of low mood, finding it difficult to improve your mood, inability to feel happy even with close friends or when you hear good news.
In addition, seek medical attention immediately if you are having any thoughts of suicide.
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We all know how to look after our physical health, but when it comes to looking after our mental health it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Luckily, my free 6 days to boost your mood plan starts next Monday. Each day you’ll receive an email with different mood-boosting tips – from diet and lifestyle to music and meditation.
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<Answer our quick and easy 11 question test to see if you are suffering from anxiety.
Take the testAs the A. Vogel Mood advisor, I recommend St. John’s wort made from freshly harvested Hypericum, to help with feelings of low mood.
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