1.2 Differentiate between feeling low and clinical depression

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Differentiate between feeling low and clinical depression.

As a support worker, understanding the difference between feeling low and clinical depression is essential to helping individuals. Many people experience sadness or feeling low at some point in their lives. For some, these feelings are temporary and manageable. For others, they may signal something more serious, like clinical depression.

Knowing the difference ensures that individuals get the appropriate care and support. In this guide, we will explore what it means to feel low, what defines clinical depression, and how to tell them apart.

What Does Feeling Low Mean?

Feeling low is a common emotional response to life events or situations. It is part of being human to feel sad, disappointed, or stressed sometimes. Feeling low does not last long and is usually linked to a specific situation, such as:

• Falling out with a friend or family member.
• Stress at work or school.
• Loss of a loved one.
• Financial worries.

These emotions tend to lift after some time. Someone feeling low may be able to carry on with their daily life, even if they feel less motivated or optimistic. They may also find comfort in talking to friends or family, doing activities they enjoy, or simply allowing themselves time to heal.

Common signs of feeling low include:

• Feeling sad or unhappy.
• Being tired or lacking energy temporarily.
• Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual).
• Irritability or frustration.
• Trouble concentrating.

These feelings are usually situational and temporary. They rarely interfere with someone’s ability to function day-to-day.

What Is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder, is different from feeling low. It is a recognised mental health condition that goes beyond temporary sadness. Instead of being linked to one specific event, clinical depression can arise for no clear reason or persist long after a situation has passed.

It is not just “feeling sad” or “down in the dumps.” Clinical depression is a serious condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It requires medical care or psychological support, and, in many cases, it won’t simply “pass on its own” like feeling low might.

Symptoms of clinical depression include:

• Persistent sadness lasting weeks or months.
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or empty.
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy (anhedonia).
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Major changes in appetite and weight (loss or gain).
• Fatigue or lack of energy most of the day.
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

These symptoms are intense and disrupt the person’s normal routine. A key difference is that clinical depression is not easily resolved and often requires help from mental health professionals.

Differences Between Feeling Low and Clinical Depression

As a support worker, your role involves being able to recognise the differences between feeling low and clinical depression. Here are the main points to help you differentiate:

1. Duration
Feeling low is temporary and usually improves in a matter of days or weeks. Clinical depression lasts for at least two weeks, but often much longer. For some, it may continue for months or even years if untreated.

2. Intensity of Symptoms
The intensity of emotions in clinical depression is much greater than feeling low. Sadness, for example, may feel all-consuming for someone with clinical depression, compared to someone feeling low who may still find moments of joy or relief.

3. Impact on Daily Life
Feeling low may affect someone’s mood but rarely stops them from functioning. They may still go to work, fulfil responsibilities, and socialise with others. In contrast, clinical depression can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. It often leads to withdrawal from social activities, poor work or school performance, and neglecting personal care.

4. Physical Symptoms
While someone feeling low may have minor physical symptoms, such as tiredness, clinical depression often causes more noticeable physical effects. These include significant changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

5. Support Needs
Someone feeling low often benefits from emotional support from friends or family. In most cases, they do not require medical treatment. Clinical depression, on the other hand, usually needs intervention, such as therapy, medication, or crisis support. Left untreated, clinical depression can lead to serious complications, including self-harm or suicide.

How You Can Support Individuals Effectively

If a person feels low or you suspect clinical depression, your response as a support worker can make a significant difference.

When Supporting Someone Feeling Low:

• Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Sometimes sharing their worries with someone they trust can help.
• Suggest simple self-care activities like taking a walk, journaling, or listening to music.
• Reinforce that their feelings are valid but temporary.
• Advise them to avoid isolating themselves. Spending time with supportive friends or engaging in enjoyable activities can lift their mood.
• If their low mood persists or worsens, recommend speaking to a GP or exploring mental health resources.

When Supporting Someone with Signs of Clinical Depression:

• Acknowledge what they’re experiencing and listen without judgment.
• Encourage them to seek help from their GP, counsellor, or mental health services.
• Be informed about local mental health services and crisis hotlines, such as Samaritans or NHS mental health support lines.
• Understand that clinical depression is not their fault. Avoid dismissive comments like “snap out of it” or “cheer up.”
• If they express feelings of self-harm or suicide, take it seriously. Ensure the person is safe and help them access urgent professional support.

When To Seek Help

Knowing when to refer someone for professional help is important. In cases where feeling low lasts more than a couple of weeks or symptoms align with clinical depression, they may need further assessment. A GP is often the first point of contact. They can assess the individual’s mental health and refer them to counselling or other services.

For severe cases, such as those involving suicidal thoughts, immediate action is needed. Calling 999 or taking the person to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department is the appropriate step in an emergency.

Final Thoughts

Feeling low is a natural, temporary response to difficult circumstances. Clinical depression is a recognised medical condition requiring care and treatment. By understanding the difference, you can provide thoughtful and appropriate support to those in need.

In your role as a support worker, be compassionate, patient, and informed. Listening and helping someone take the first steps towards getting help can be life-changing for the individual and strengthen the trust they place in you.