Dr. Eoin Gallagher
OnlineIMC verified
Low mood
Low mood means feeling sad, empty, hopeless or losing interest in usual activities. If it lasts, affects daily life, or comes with thoughts of self-harm, it deserves urgent and compassionate support.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or feeling that life is not worth living.
- A plan or access to means to harm yourself or someone else.
- Not eating, drinking, sleeping or caring for yourself for a dangerous period.
- Hearing voices, severe confusion, extreme agitation or feeling unsafe.
- Severe low mood during pregnancy or after childbirth, especially with thoughts of harming self or baby.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Stress, grief, relationship problems, financial pressure or social isolation.
- Depression, anxiety or trauma-related conditions.
- Long-term illness, pain or disability.
- Hormonal changes, pregnancy or after childbirth.
- Substance use, thyroid problems or other medical causes.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask about mood, sleep, appetite, energy, daily function and safety.
- They may ask directly about self-harm; this is to keep you safe, not to judge you.
- Support may include therapy, mental health referral, family support planning or medical assessment.
Looking after yourself
- Tell a trusted person how you are feeling, especially if you feel unsafe.
- Keep simple routines for sleep, meals and gentle activity where possible.
- Seek professional help if low mood lasts, worsens or affects school, work, prayer, family or self-care.
Frequently asked questions
- When is low mood an emergency?
- Any thoughts of suicide, self-harm, harming others, or feeling unsafe need urgent help now.
- Is low mood the same as depression?
- Low mood can be temporary, but depression is one possible cause when symptoms last or affect daily life.
- Can low mood happen after childbirth?
- Yes. Mood changes after childbirth can be serious, especially with hopelessness or thoughts of harm.
- Who can help with low mood?
- A psychologist, psychiatrist or general physician can help, depending on severity and safety concerns.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- Psychologist Helpful for talking therapy, coping skills and emotional support.
- Psychiatrist Important for severe symptoms, self-harm thoughts, psychosis or complex mental health needs.
- General Physician Can check physical contributors and connect you with mental health care.
Not sure? See a general physician
Related doctors
Verified profiles for low mood start with psychiatrist.
Not sure which doctor fits? See a general physician