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Feeling low, flat or depressed

Low mood is part of being human. When it sticks around, drains the enjoyment out of life or starts affecting how you function, it deserves more attention.

It isn't always obvious sadness

Depression can include persistent low mood or loss of interest and pleasure. Other features can include changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of suicide. NICE stresses that assessment is about more than counting symptoms; impact on functioning and the person's circumstances matter too.

When should I get help?

If low mood has lasted around two weeks or more, keeps returning, is worsening, or is interfering with work, relationships or ordinary life, talk to a GP or another appropriate professional. You do not need to decide for yourself whether it “counts” as depression before asking for help.

What can I do today?

Try to keep contact with at least one person, protect the basics of sleep/food/routine where you can, and make the next task small enough to actually do. These are supports, not substitutes for treatment when treatment is needed.