Depression or Low Mood

Someone might have told you they’re feeling down or depressed, or you might have noticed them are acting differently. If you think someone you know is feeling low, let them know everyone feels like this now and then and it’s okay. Let them know that they can talk to you and make time to listen to them. It can be helpful to support them to find out more about low mood, what it is and how it works.

What is depression and how can I help?

Depression is a mood disorder. It can make it hard for people to do everyday things, to enjoy the things they do, and sometimes even to get out of bed. Sometimes people who are depressed talk about feeling hopeless or not being able to feel anything at all. A lot of people say they feel tired all the time and think bad things about themselves.  Depression can affect anyone,  of any age, including children.  It is one of the most common mental health problems.  People over 60 years old are slightly more likely to become depressed (WHO, 2023).

Depression can be caused by social, psychological and biological factors; often it’s a combination of factors. Having had difficult experiences as a child, and dealing with stresses in your current life, for examples debts and unsuitable housing, make it more likely that someone could become depressed.  If someone has had a few depressive episodes, they might find their depression can start again without any clear reason. Treatment is likely to involve self-help for people who have mild symptoms, and talking therapy or medication, or both at the same time, for people with more significant symptoms.

It is not unusual for people with depression to have thoughts that life is not worth living, or that they don’t want to be alive. If you think someone is feeling this way, please read more about Suicidal thoughts here. If you think someone you know might be depressed, you should encourage them to visit their GP.

Take a look at this video from Ted Ed which explores ‘what is depression’.