What Impact Does a Lack of Sleep Have?
Watch the video to explore the impacts that a lack of sleep can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Watch the video to explore when a low mood may be a normal response life stressors and discover the evolutionary purpose of low moods . . .
Having a low mood does not necessarily mean you are 'depressed'.
A low mood is an emotional state where a person feels sad, low, or apathetic. It is a natural response to challenging events, situations, or circumstances in life and is an expected part of the human experience. Most of the time, these feelings will usually resolve quickly, and you'll be back to feeling like yourself once again.
Sometimes, they are intense and last for a longer time than usual, like when you lose a job or a loved one. This is still considered normal because they are appropriate to the gravity of the situation. While it might take some time to get back to a more even mood, most people eventually do.
Low mood can serve a range of purposes, including:
1 Signalling the need for rest or self-care.
A low mood can be a sign that a person needs to take a break, recharge, or engage in activities that promote wellbeing, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. It also signals to others that you need care and support, which can deepen your relationships.
2.Promoting problem-solving and self-reflection.
A low mood can provide an opportunity for a person to slow down and reflect on their situation, identify problems, and develop solutions. The desire to resolve a situation causing your low mood may also motivate you to seek support and advice from others.
3 Fostering empathy and social connection.
Sadness and grief, in particular, can make you more attuned to the emotions of others, which can foster empathy and social connection.
Think about the last sad movie or show that you watched. How did your experience of sadness make you empathise with what you were seeing on the screen?
These are just some of the ways in which a low mood can be seen as normal. However, if you are worried about your mood, it's important to seek support, and you can find out more about how to do this by searching 'Get help with your wellbeing' on your wellbeing toolkit.