--- title: "Low mood: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "Low mood is common after stress and usually lifts, but feeling down most days for two weeks may be depression. Learn self-help steps and when to see a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/low-mood-symptom/ robots: noindex --- # Low mood: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms Low mood is common after stress and usually lifts, but feeling down most days for two weeks may be depression. Learn self-help steps and when to see a GP. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could low mood mean? Low mood is a feeling of sadness that is common after stress or difficult events and usually passes. If it lasts most days for two weeks, or comes with sleep or appetite changes, see a GP as it may be depression. Thoughts of self-harm need emergency help. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Low mood, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Common causes of low mood - Depression is a treatable condition, and effective help is available. - You can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies (IAPT) in England. - Regular exercise and social connection can help to lift low mood. - Antidepressants such as SSRIs take several weeks to start working. - Crisis support is available 24 hours a day, every day. ## Understanding low mood Feeling low is a normal response to adversity, and it usually passes with time. When low mood persists — lasting most days for two weeks or more — it may be depression. ## Symptoms of depression Persistent low mood, anhedonia (losing interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy), changes to sleep or appetite, and fatigue are common symptoms of depression. Feelings of guilt and poor concentration are also common. ## How to help yourself when your mood is low Keeping a routine, staying active and maintaining social contact can all help to lift low mood. It also helps to limit how much alcohol you drink. ## Getting professional help for low mood See a GP if low mood persists or is affecting your daily life. Talking therapies can help, and in England you can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies (IAPT). If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact crisis services straight away — call 999, go to A&E, or contact the Samaritans on 116 123. ## ! When to get medical help for low mood See a GP if low mood lasts more than two weeks, or if it is affecting your daily life. Call **999** or go to A&E if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about low mood What is the difference between low mood and depression? The main differences are how long the feelings last, how severe they are, and how much they affect daily life. Low mood usually passes, whereas depression persists most days for two weeks or more. Can I get talking therapy on the NHS? Yes, in England you can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies (IAPT). These services offer treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling. When are antidepressants used for low mood? Antidepressants are usually used for moderate to severe depression. They often work best when combined with talking therapy, and they can take several weeks to start working. What should I do if I have suicidal thoughts? If you have suicidal thoughts, call 999 or go to A&E for emergency help. You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123 — crisis support is available 24 hours a day. ## Sources - [NHS — Overview](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview) - [NHS — Stress anxiety and depression](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/)