Low Mood
Low mood is when a child or young person feels sad, down, or lacks interest in things they usually find joyful. It can come and go, and is a normal part of life, however, sometimes it can last longer and begin to effect daily life.
Why do children and young people experience low moods?
Low moods can be linked to many factors, including:
- School stress or exam pressure.
- Friendship difficulties or bullying.
- Family changes (parental separation, loss)
- Social media and peer pressure.
- Low self-esteem or feeling “not good enough ”.
- Hormonal changes during adolescence.
Signs to look out for.
Children and teenagers may:
- Seems sad, tearful, or irritable
- Lose interest in hobbies or activities
- Withdraw from friends or family
- Have changes in sleep or appetite
- Struggle with concentration or schoolwork
- Express negative thoughts about themselves
How can parents and carers help?
Keep communication open
Create regular opportunities to talk. Simple check-ins like “How was your day?” can help.
Listen without judgment
Let your child speak freely. Avoid dismissing their feelings or jumping straight to solutions.
Validate their emotions
Acknowledge how they feel: “I can see this is really tough for you.”
Encourage healthy routines
- Regular sleep patterns
- Balanced meals
- Physical activity
- Time away from screens
Build confidence and self-esteem
Praise effort rather than outcomes and highlight their strengths.
Support social connections
Encourage safe friendships and opportunities to connect with others.
Model healthy coping skills
Show them how you manage stress and emotions in a positive way.
When to seek extra help?
Consider professional support if your child:
- Has low mood lasting more than a few weeks
- Withdraws significantly from daily life
- Show signs of anxiety or distress
- Talks about hopelessness or wanting to give up
Speak to your GP, school staff, or a mental health professional for guidance.
Websites?
🔗NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde -low mood and depression advice for-parents-and-carers
🔗D-EXY – Apps on Google Play. Google Playhttps://play.google.com › store › apps › details › id=com…