Low Mood and Depression

It’s normal to have down days, but there are some signs to look out for that may make you think about asking for some extra help to make you feel a bit better.

Sometimes feeling low or in a bad mood can get worse, or last a long time. It can make you feel like you have no energy, no motivation and no concentration.

There are things you can do that may help stop these feeling becoming severe, and things that you can do if you are already feeling down.

Use the box below to have a think about how you are feeling.

How are you feeling? Are you...

Feeling low a lot of the time?
Not feeling yourself?
Finding it hard to enjoy things?
Having problems sleeping?
Forgetting things?
Unable to concerntrate?
Feeling helpless or hopeless?
Feeling teary?
In a bad mood?
Unable to start or finish a job?

If you experiencing any of these feelings you may find the following helpful to look at some of the things to try, downloads and links.

If you are feeling particularly distressed, or if your symptoms are severe, you may want to seek further help.

You can speak to your TYA Specialist Nurse, your GP or find other support services in your area

Things to Try...

MeditationMindfulness meditation could help to make you feel more relaxed.Exercise and Physical ActivityGetting up and moving, even a little bit, is a great way to relieve tension, boost your mood, and even cope with fatigue.Talking to PeopleIt can be helpful to share the feelings of frustration that may arise from your cancer experience with someone supportive in your life.Peer SupportDuring your treatment you may have the opportunity to meet other young people who are going through a similar experience. This can give you the chance to talk about things that you might not want to talk about with your other friends, and to ask other people how they coped with side effects that may be affecting you.RelaxationRelaxation is about finding something that you enjoy and gives a chance for your body and mind to calm down. This could be anything from taking a gentle walk, to painting, to reading a book…Breathing exercisesYou may find that doing some breathing exercises can help you to feel a bit more relaxed, help with sleep and ease uncomfortable feelings.Doing things you enjoyIt can help to put time aside to do things that you enjoy doing – sometimes we forget to do this! Doing things you know you enjoy, or discovering new things can be a great way to relax and take time out for yourself.Making changesMaking changes can be difficult, but there are things you can do to make it easier for yourself

Links

NHS Choices - Low mood & depressionMost people experience ups and downs in their life, and can feel unhappy, depressed, stressed or anxious during difficult times. This is a normal part of life.TeensHealth - DepressionFeeling sad, down, or discouraged are natural human emotions. They're reactions to the hassles and hurdles of life. We all feel this way at times.Self Help for DepressionDepression can happen to anyone - and does happen to one in four of us over our lifetimes. Different factors that make it more likely to happen, include biological make-up, upbringing, or reaction to life events. What keeps it going though, is how we deal with those things. The way we think and what we do affects the way we feel. Depression is often accompanied by other feelings such as guilt, shame, anger and anxiety.