Low Mood and Depression: The Questions People Actually Ask
Low Mood and Depression: straight answers to the questions people actually ask, with the figures behind them.
Persistent low mood and loss of interest, lasting most of the day, most days.
Key takeaways
- Threshold for seeing a GP: symptoms most days for 2 weeks or more
- Core symptoms: low mood and loss of interest or pleasure
- Most useful single change: Keep a routine, particularly a fixed wake time.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting for it to lift on its own beyond a fortnight.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What is Low Mood and Depression?
Persistent low mood and loss of interest, lasting most of the day, most days.
Why does it matter?
It is common and treatable, and the length of time symptoms have persisted is the thing that distinguishes it from ordinary unhappiness.
Threshold for seeing a GP for Low Mood and Depression?
Symptoms most days for 2 weeks or more.
Core symptoms for Low Mood and Depression?
Low mood and loss of interest or pleasure.
First-line options, less severe for Low Mood and Depression?
Guided self-help, CBT, group exercise.
Physical activity for Low Mood and Depression?
Recommended as part of management.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Keep a routine, particularly a fixed wake time.
What is the most common mistake?
Waiting for it to lift on its own beyond a fortnight.
When should I see a doctor?
See a GP if low mood has lasted most days for two weeks or more, or sooner if it is severe. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any hour. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Where to go next
- What People Get Wrong About Low Mood and Depression
- The First Steps With Low Mood and Depression
- Low Mood and Depression — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Anxiety, Without the Hype
- Burnout: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to speak to a doctor
See a GP if low mood has lasted most days for two weeks or more, or sooner if it is severe. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any hour. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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