I think you can have both a rational view that you are happy*, whilst also have your mood say otherwise.

*That can be a broad term that covers a number of things like a sense of satisfaction, contentment and optimism.

You might have a good life, yet still feel flat at times. That happens to us all. But it can be difficult (and frustrating) to piece together and understand why you feel low and what action you need to take.

It could be a physical or mental thing. Sometimes a mix of both.

So it’s worth spending a little time to consider, what is it that’s making me feel this way?

• Have I got an illness like a virus
• Is my blood sugar low
• Am I dehydrated
• Do I need to eat some high nutrient foods
• Do I need some sleep
• Do I need to get out for some fresh air
• Will some exercise help
• Have I lost meaning in the things I’m spending my energy on
• Do I need a new goal
• Do I need some downtime
• Have I got a lot on my mind
• Are the moods of others impacting me
• Is the weather playing a part
• Do I need to go and have some fun

It’s not to downplay the fact that depression is real. We know it is. It’s just food for thought in piecing together what actions you take next, which could well include getting professional help.

It’s also true that your mood will drop again at some point after having improved it, and next time the solution might not be the same.

The only right thing to do is to be kind to yourself – spend time looking in, take some actions and see how that changes things.