Mood and Depression
Everyone has good days and hard days. When low mood, sadness, or big swings in emotion last for weeks or start to affect sleep, work, school, or relationships, it may be time to talk with someone. Support is available, and you do not have to sort it out alone.
It can feel like
When is it more than a bad mood?
Low mood after a loss, a setback, or a hard week is a normal part of life. It usually lifts as things settle.
It may be time to reach out when low mood lasts most of the day, most days, for two weeks or more, or when it gets in the way of work, school, or relationships.
In children and teens, depression can look more like irritability or anger than sadness. Changes in grades, friendships, or sleep can be early signs.
Sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lingers
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in sleep or appetite
Low energy or feeling slowed down
Irritability or mood swings
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Understanding mood conditions
Mood swings
Mood swings involve emotional ups and downs that can feel intense and unpredictable. They may last hours, days, or longer and can affect daily life. Patterns like these are often clearer when tracked and observed over time.
Depression (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more than feeling sad. It can include persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. Symptoms may evolve gradually. Tracking over time helps paint a clearer picture.
Bipolar I and II
Bipolar disorders involve shifts between depressive lows and manic or hypomanic highs. Bipolar I includes more severe manic episodes. Bipolar II includes hypomanic episodes that are less intense. Episode patterns become clearer over time, not in a single moment.