Low mood
Most people experience periods of low mood at some point in their lives, when everyday life feels heavy, joy diminishes, and fatigue takes over. You may feel low, more sad than usual, lose interest in things you normally enjoy, or have difficulty looking forward to things.
Sometimes there are clear reasons for feeling low, but sometimes it can be hard to understand why it happens. Regardless of why you are feeling down, there are things you can do to start feeling better again.
What is low mood?
Low mood is something anyone can experience, and it can have many different causes. For example, it may be a reaction to something stressful, such as a breakup or high demands in your studies.
In some cases, it is harder to identify a clear reason. Most often, low mood passes once you’ve had time to recover after a demanding period. However, if you find yourself in a negative spiral - where reduced enjoyment and motivation lead you to do less of what actually helps you feel well - the low mood may last longer.
If you have several clear symptoms of low mood over a longer period of time, it may be depression.
What you can do if you´re feeling low
If you are feeling low, the following tips may help:
- Maintain daily routines
Try to sleep and eat regularly. This is one way of taking care of your needs and showing yourself compassion. - Exercise
Physical activity can help the body and brain manage stress hormones in ways that support psychological well-being. - Try to do the opposite to what your feelings tell you
Do a little more of the things you usually enjoy, even if you don’t feel motivated right now. When you feel well, motivation often comes naturally, but when you’re feeling low, you may instead need to actively remind yourself how you usually act when you’re feeling better. - Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can worsen both sleep and mental well-being.
When to get professional help
If the low mood doesn’t go away or starts to affect your ability to take care of yourself or cope with your studies, it’s a good idea to seek help. You can contact Student Health Services for advice and support, or for guidance on where to seek further help. You can also contact your local health care centre or seek help via 1177.se.
Last updated: 2026-04-01