Low Mood or Depression? How to Tell the Difference
Not every low week is depression — and not every 'I'm fine' is fine. A simple, kind way to tell when it's time to get support.
Low mood doesn't always look like sadness. Sometimes it's just… flat. Here's how to tell the difference between a rough patch and something that needs support.
A bad week vs. something more
Everyone has low days. The signal to watch is duration and function: when low mood lasts two weeks or more and starts shrinking your world — less sleep, less interest, less energy — it's worth taking seriously.
Small things that genuinely help
Morning light, gentle movement, and one small social contact a day are boring but evidence-backed. They won't 'fix' depression, but they raise the floor while you get real support.
Reaching out isn't dramatic
Talking to a professional early is not an overreaction — it's the same logic as seeing a doctor for a cough that won't go away.
Talk it through