Depression & Low Mood

When feeling low doesn’t seem to go away
Everyone has difficult days.
Sometimes we know exactly why we’re feeling low. Other times we don’t.
But when low mood continues, starts affecting everyday life or leaves you feeling hopeless about the future, it’s worth talking to someone.
You don’t have to simply push through it.

If you feel you may be in immediate danger — Your safety comes first.

WHAT CAN DEPRESSION FEEL LIKE?

Depression can look and feel different for different people.
You might:

  • feel sad or low much of the time
  • feel numb or empty
  • feel hopeless about the future
  • become irritable or angry
  • lose interest in things you normally enjoy
  • struggle to concentrate
  • have very little motivation
  • withdraw from friends or family
  • feel exhausted
  • sleep much more or less than usual
  • notice changes in your appetite
  • struggle with everyday tasks
  • feel worthless or like a burden

You don’t need to experience every one of these things to deserve support.

WHY AM I FEELING LIKE THIS?

Sometimes there’s an obvious reason. Sometimes there isn’t. Low mood and depression can be connected to things such as:

  • grief
  • trauma
  • loneliness
  • relationship difficulties
  • work
  • unemployment
  • money worries
  • family problems
  • physical illness
  • long periods of stress
  • major life changes

Often several things are happening at once. You don’t need to identify the exact cause before talking to someone.

WHAT CAN I DO?

When you’re depressed, even simple tasks can feel enormous.

  • Make things smaller.
  • Tell one person
  • Choose someone you trust and tell them how you’ve actually been feeling.
  • Give yourself one achievable task

Instead of thinking about everything you need to do, choose one thing.

  • Get dressed.
  • Have something to eat.
  • Take a shower.
  • Reply to one message.
  • Walk around the block.
  • Small things still count.
  • Keep some structure
  • Try to keep a basic routine around getting up, eating and sleeping.
  • Stay connected
  • Depression can make you want to withdraw from everyone.
  • Try to keep some connection with other people, even if you don’t feel particularly sociable.
  • Get outside
  • A short walk or simply spending a little time outside can help break up the day.

Be careful what depression tells you, Depression can change the way you see yourself and your future. Thoughts such as:

  • “Nothing will ever change.”
  • “Nobody cares.”
  • “I’m a burden.”

can feel completely true when you’re struggling. Feelings are powerful, but they aren’t always reliable predictions of the future. What if I’m thinking about suicide?

Tell someone.

If low mood has developed into thoughts about suicide, you don’t need to wait and see whether they get worse.

IMMEDIATE SUPPORT

Support can help you understand what is happening. You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable.

“I need support with anxiety – contact PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity”

You don’t need to know what kind of support you need before getting in touch. Start with a conversation.

TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Depression grows when kept inside. Share how you feel with someone you trust.

ABOUT PIPS CHARITY

PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity provides compassionate support for people experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. Tell us what’s happening and we can start there.