Low Mood

Key Takeaways

• Low mood in the context of psychiatry manifests as despair, irritability, loss of interest, or low self-esteem without a clear cause, and typically lasts less than two weeks

• The symptom can occur on its own or alongside major depressive disorder, dysthymia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a number of other mental health conditions

• Supportive strategies include self-care such as mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise, as well as seeking professional help if symptoms persist or present with another disorder

Understanding Low Mood

While there is no single universal definition for “low mood”, a 2025 scoping review investigating the limited present-day studies indicates that this symptom varies widely in prevalence across different contexts and diagnoses.^[1]

In terms of contexts, the human experience is full of both highs and lows, with various circumstances or situations such as bereavement, conflict, job loss, or divorce triggering brief periods of heartbreak or depressed mood.^[2]

While feeling sad or heartbroken from time to time is in fact normal, according to the recent review, low mood is a clinical symptom, characterized by an emotional state where an individual presents with at least one sign of depression, including:^[1][2][3]

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Overwhelming sadness.

• Sense of despair or hopelessness.

• Reduced self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

This is typically temporary and causes little disruption to daily life. However, should symptoms be left unaddressed or if underlying causes worsen, a depressed mood could progress into a diagnosable disorder.^[1]

Low Mood vs. Depression

Most individuals experience low moods from time to time, but if these emotions begin to interfere with daily functionality or persist beyond what feels temporary (especially without an obvious cause), it may indicate something more serious, such as major depressive disorder.^[2][3]

Although a depressed mood is not the same as clinical depression and has no official criteria, the two terms are often used interchangeably in studies. Experts say this confusion comes from the difficulty in clearly distinguishing normal low mood from diagnosable depression.^[1]

This is due to the fact that although clinical depression is characterized by clear symptoms such as despair, low worth, sleep difficulties, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating, the term “depression” is defined differently across studies as both a formal diagnosis and as an emotion.^[1] 

More importantly, no recognized timeline differentiates between depression and low mood. That said, studies surrounding low mood as a psychiatric symptom have led mental health professionals to rely on symptoms persisting for more than two weeks as a guideline.^[2]

Low Mood vs. Sadness

In light of the conflicting views in scientific literature surrounding the definition of “low mood,” it is not yet possible to formally outline the difference between sadness and a low mood. However, the consensus seems to be that while both are temporary, sadness is specific to a devastating life event and resolves naturally after a triggering event has passed.^[1][3]

On the other hand, low mood is viewed as a mental health symptom that presents as one or more symptoms of depression without a trigger, and may serve as an early signal for professional intervention. Low mood can manifest across different mental health disorders, although in this case, the symptoms may last longer.^[3] 

What Low Mood Can Feel Like

Low mood feels different for different people, as it can present as any one or combination of major depressive symptoms, but most commonly feels like intense despair and a sense of worthlessness. Depressed mood can also interfere with sleep, energy levels, appetite, concentration, and interest in activities previously enjoyed, while also causing headaches and body pains. In severe cases, low mood can lead to suicidal or self-harming thoughts.^[2][3]

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know has experienced thoughts about suicide, it is important to reach out immediately. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7, or use the chat at 988lifeline.org.

Signs of Low Mood

Low mood presents as one or more symptoms of clinical depression, including:^[3]

• Intense sadness.

• Angry or irritable.

• Hopelessness, emptiness, or despair.

• Unusually tired or unable to sleep.

• Lacking confidence or self-esteem.

• Unable to enjoy activities or life.

• Unable to focus on daily tasks.

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Signs of Dysthymia

Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, and major depressive disorder are both forms of diagnosable depression, but they differ in severity and duration. While dysthymia involves chronic symptoms that last for at least 2 years (without relief for longer than 2 months), MDD consists of shorter, more intense episodes that cause significant disruption to functionality.^[4]

In addition to the symptoms of major depression listed above, the signs of Dysthymia include:^[4]

• Overeating or loss of appetite.

• Insomnia or excessive sleep.

• Fatigue or low energy.

• Low self-worth.

• Indecisiveness.

What Low Mood Looks Like in Children

In children, a depressed mood often emerges as an early or milder form of depression (which affects 4% of individuals under the age of 18) and may present differently from the way in which it manifests in adults, although there can be some overlap. Key signs include:^[5]

• Feelings of worthlessness.

• Lack of energy or hyperactivity.

• Increased or decreased appetite.

• Difficulties with concentration and academic decline.

• Sleep difficulties, including insomnia, oversleeping, or persistent nightmares.

• Persistent irritability, aggression, or low mood (irritability presents more commonly in young children than sadness).

• Noticeable loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities such as playing sports or watching television (often expressed as feeling “bored” or “nothing is fun anymore”).

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or social situations in favor of being alone, which can lead to a loss of friendships.

• May experience suicidal thoughts and, in some cases, even attempt suicide.

Low mood in children requires urgent intervention, particularly in cases where a child has expressed a desire to die, or where several of the above symptoms present for most days over two weeks, leading to dysfunction in friendships, family relationships, or at school.

Disorders Associated with Low Mood Symptoms

In addition to its association with the mood disorders chapter of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), low mood also presents with a number of other psychiatric conditions.^[6] 

Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Episodes of low mood or loss of interest that last for at least 2 weeks.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia/PDD): Chronic low mood lasting a minimum of 2 years in adults or 1 year in children.

• Bipolar Disorder: Alternating periods of low mood and elevated or irritable mood, including Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2, and Cyclothymic Disorder.

Other Psychiatric Disorders with Low Mood as a Symptom

• Substance-Induced Low Mood: Low mood caused by drugs, medications, or toxins, usually presenting during intoxication or withdrawal.

• Low Mood Due to a Medical Condition: Depressed mood directly resulting from illnesses (such as hypothyroidism or Parkinson’s disease).

• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Short-term low mood triggered by stressors such as divorce, incarceration, or employment problems.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Re-experiencing traumatic emotions or flashbacks, often accompanied by anxiety and low mood.

• Anxiety Disorders: Chronic stress and worry can lead to fatigue, hopelessness, and depressed mood.

• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders frequently co-occur with substance use disorders and often present with symptoms of low mood.

• Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia: Depressed mood often accompanies psychotic symptoms.

Does Low Mood Mean You Have Depression?

Experiencing a low mood can be unavoidable when faced with tragic life events. However, in the context of mental health, low mood can also be a symptom that signals the presence of depression in cases where it lasts longer than two weeks.

Treatment for Low Mood

As low mood is generally considered a temporary mental health symptom that does not affect functionality, it may only be necessary to seek treatment should the experience persist beyond two weeks without a clear cause. That said, anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should seek psychiatric support immediately.

Therapy and Counseling

Short-term therapy or counselling can provide a space to talk through stressors, validate emotional experiences, and strengthen coping skills. These approaches may improve mood, provide support, encourage engagement in daily activities, and reduce the risk of psychiatric symptoms intensifying.

How to Handle Periods of Low Mood

Handling periods of low mood can often be improved through small lifestyle changes and supportive strategies. Evidence shows that interventions focused on positive thinking and adaptive coping techniques can effectively shift depressed mood.^[1][3]

A few of the most evidence-based coping mechanisms include:^[1][3]

• Share your feelings with friends, family, or a licensed therapist or counsellor.

• Prioritize nutrition, exercise, social support, and meditation or yoga.

• Consider joining a support group to share experiences and learn from others.

• Raise self-esteem through small, consistent actions that reinforce personal value.

• Prioritize reconnecting with hobbies, even if only for short periods each day.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have been living with a low mood for more than two weeks and have not recently experienced a distressing life-changing event, it is essential to consult with a psychiatrist to rule out (or seek treatment for) a mental health condition. Similarly, if you have been struggling to function or overcome a low emotional state, it is important to address the issue urgently.^[3]

Takeaway

While temporary low moods are part of the human experience, persistent or severe symptoms warrant attention, as early intervention can prevent progression to more serious mental health conditions. Fortunately, low mood is often temporary, particularly when treated with therapy.