Low mood or depression?

Everyone feels low sometimes, after a loss, a breakup, a failed exam or a rejection. Low mood usually lifts within days or a couple of weeks, especially when you rest, talk to someone and do things you enjoy. Depression is different.

It is a common health condition, not a weakness or a lack of faith, and it is treatable. Professionals look at how long it lasts, how strong it is, and how much it affects daily life. Feeling low or losing interest in most things, most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, is a reason to see a doctor or psychologist. Only a professional can diagnose depression.