Low mood

• What is low mood?

• Common causes

• Symptoms

• Natural remedies

• Other ways to help

What is low mood?

Low mood is a common ailment that causes feelings of hopelessness making it very difficult for sufferers to cope with day to day life. It is thought that some people are more prone to low mood than others. Low mood can strike at any age and affects people from all walks of life.

Common causes

The cause of low mood has been hard to pin down. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Genetics could play a part. Some research suggests that if one or both of a person’s parents suffered with low mood, they may also be more likely to suffer with it.

• Life experiences could be a cause. If someone has been though a tough time in the past, that could cause them to have a low mood.

• Body chemistry has also been cited as a possible reason for low mood. Some scientists think that people with low mood make less of the body’s “feel good drug”, serotonin.

Symptoms^†

Sufferers of low mood normally experience two or three of the following symptoms:

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

• Feeling inadequate.

• A sense of self hatred, constant questioning of thoughts and actions and a constant need for reassurance.

• Feeling vulnerable and being oversensitive to criticism.

• Sense of guilt.

• Loss of energy and the ability to concentrate and be motivated to do even the simplest tasks.

• Sleep disruption or a need to sleep very long hours.

• Agitation and restlessness.

• Physical aches and pains.
   

Natural remedies

• Bach Flower Remedy Mustard can help when you feel down in the dumps and you don’t know why. Wild Rose can assist with apathy and help get you motivated. (Always read the label.)

• Bach Flower Remedy Willow can help if you feel sorry for yourself, but if you feel as though you are in despair, try Sweet Chestnut. You can also try Rescue Remedy which is a blend of five Bach flower essences especially designed to help you cope with stressful situations.^∏ (Always read the label.) 

• Light therapy - during the winter when there is less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop, making us feel tired,and prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Try spending more time outside or try using special lights that simulate natural daylight. Studies have found they are effective.

• The Alexander Technique could be beneficial in managing your emotions in a healthier way.

• Body balance work such as yoga and shiatsu can help your body and mind connect in a way that promotes general happiness and a sense of wellbeing.

• Aromatherapy can help relieve low mood. Try having and aromatherapy massage or try putting a few drops of citrus scents of orange, Bergamot, lemon and lemon verbena in your bath. These citrus oils have long been used in the treatment of low mood.

Other ways to help

• Exercise naturally boosts levels of serotonin, making you feel good, so exercise for 30 mins every day. 

• Look at how you spend your time. Are you spending your free time brooding or are you getting out there and enjoying life? Try to laugh and have fun as much as possible. It might seem trite, but it’s something people with low mood often forget to do. 

• Watch your diet. Eating the right things can make you feel healthier. 

• Look after yourself. Pay some more attention to your appearance and you’ll make yourself feel good. 

• Ask for help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to tell your friends, family or family doctor if you feel bad. Improving your connections with family and friends can make you feel better. 

• Don't hold your feelings in. Cry and get angry if you need to.

† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.

^∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.