Is There A Difference Between Feeling Low & Being Depressed?
YES
Feeling low and being depressed are linked, but there is a difference.
Being sad is a common emotion we all have at some point in our lives. It is normal to be sad.
Being sad is a part of life. There are bound to be things in your life that disappoint you for example, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, you did not get the grades/results you were expecting etc..
It’s healthy to feel sad at times, because it shows you are human and that you care about others.
If you are feeling low, it is usually for a reason such as something stressful in your life like exams or relationship problems. It’s normal to feel like this but these feelings usually pass. However, if you feel like this for a long period of time and it starts to take over your life, you may be depressed. Some of the symptoms of depression;
- A change in eating, weight and/or sleep patterns,
- Reduced energy levels and reduced physical activity,
- Impaired concentration,
- Negative thoughts and beliefs about self, others and the world,
- Avoiding other people and withdrawing into one's room,
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness,
- Loss of interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment
- Reduced sex drive,
- Feeling irritable and short-tempered, or tearful,
- Being unable to continue as usual with work and interests, maybe because you feel listless, or 'can't be bothered', or things feel pointless,
- The future may seem bleak or hopeless, or feel that it just not worth going on, or think about suicide.
Please note that we may feel some of the above for reasons other than depression, or even several together for a brief while, without this being of major concern.
Depression is a long-term process that affects your mental and psychological well-being.
What you can do…
- Talk to someone you trust, who you can discuss your thoughts and feelings with.
- Exercise. Regular exercise releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get a daily dose of sunlight, 1 – 2 hours a day, early morning or later in afternoon are beneficial for your low mood but also for your sleep cycle
- Socialise. Connect with people around you.
- De-stress. E.g. learn some breathing and relaxation exercises.
- Simplify your life. Keep clutter to a minimum, as this could make you feel worse.
- Make time for yourself. Make time for the things that you enjoy doing.
Getting help
Whatever the cause, if negative feelings don't go away, are too much for you to cope with or are stopping you from carrying on with your normal life, you may need to make some changes and get some extra support.
Please contact me on t: 07886 513 448 or e:
Other resources...
Time to change, http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/talk-about-mental-health
Youth Space, http://www.youthspace.me/ Email:
MIND Phone: 0121 608 8001
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
http://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/