What is a Low in Mood Feeling?

“Low in mood” describes the state of emotional discomfort where an individual experiences a general sense of sadness or dissatisfaction. This emotional state extends beyond temporary fluctuations in mood, implying a more prolonged and persistent feeling of being downhearted. Those feeling low in mood may face challenges in experiencing basic joy, interest, or enthusiasm in activities that would typically bring them happiness. Recognising signs of low mood is essential, as this emotional state can manifest through symptoms including lack of motivation, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating and a general sense of emotional heaviness.

 

Occasional low moods are a common human experience, however persistently feeling low can significantly impact overall mental and emotional well-being and daily functioning. Low mood stress and anxiety are emotional states often coexist. You may need to seek help when navigating this emotional landscape, whether through professional support or self-help strategies. Dealing with low mood requires a comprehensive approach that considers the causes of low mood, acknowledging that it is subjective and influenced by various factors such as life circumstances, stressors, or underlying mental health conditions. Understanding the nature of being low in mood allows individuals to better navigate their emotional experiences, explore self-help for low mood, and, if needed, seek external support for managing low mood effectively.

 

 

Starting a journey to understand the intricacies of a “Low in Mood” feeling highlights complex emotional state marked by persistent sadness and dissatisfaction. Beyond fleeting emotions, it encompasses various symptoms that can profoundly impact daily life. While occasional low moods are part of the human experience, persistent feelings of being downhearted need attention.

 

 

 

Why Do We Get in Low Mood?

There are many reasons that can give cause for feeling low in mood. It can result from a combination of factors, both external and internal. Some common reasons include:

 

Life Events

Significant life events such as loss, trauma or major changes in life can act as catalysts, triggering a period of feeling really low and marked by unmistakable signs of low mood, particularly in cases of grief. Remember, grief is not limited to death of a loved one. Grief also happens with separation and divorce.

 

Stress

High levels of stress, whether from work, romantic relationships, or family relations can play a pivotal role in contributing to a low mood. Chronic stress can have a cumulative effect on mental well-being, emphasises the intricate relationship between stressors and persistent feelings of being low.

 

Biological Factors

Imbalances in brain chemicals, hormones, or neurotransmitters are integral in the regulation of mood and can contribute to the persistence of low mood. Conditions like depression or anxiety often coexist, adding complexity to the emotional state.

 

Genetics

Evidence suggests a genetic predisposition to certain mood disorders, making individuals with a family history of depression or other mental health issues more susceptible to feeling low.

 

Health Issues

Chronic illness or pain can impact mood. Physical discomfort can significantly influence emotional well-being and contribute to a persistent sense of low mood.

 

Environmental Factors

Living in a challenging or unsupportive environment, experiencing isolation, or lacking a strong social support system can contribute to low mood, further complicating the personal emotional landscape.

 

Personality Traits

Certain personality traits or coping styles may make individuals more prone to experiencing low mood in response to stressors, adding another layer to the multifaceted nature of low mood.

 

Chemical Substances

The use of certain substances including recreational drugs such as weed and alcohol can affect mood and contribute to persistent feelings of being low.

 

 

 

How do we get out of feeling low in mood

Getting out of a low mood involves an approach that incorporates self-awareness, positive habits, and, at times, professional support. Recognising low in mood symptoms will help tailor effective strategies for emotional improvement. Using notebooks and journaling can be powerful tools in this journey.

 

 

Self-Reflection through Journaling

Identify Emotions and Triggers while using a notebook to articulate and explore your feelings, providing a cathartic outlet for emotional expression. Journaling helps track and identify situations or events contributing to your low mood, facilitating a better understanding of triggers for navigation and management.

 

Positive Affirmations

Create a dedicated Positive Affirmation Journal as a powerful self-help tool for managing low mood. In this journal, focus on themes such as self-love, resilience, and optimism to gradually shift your mindset. This personalized notebook serves as a tangible space for cultivating a positive outlook on your emotional well-being.

 

Read Affirmations Aloud Daily

Establish a routine of reading affirmations aloud from your Affirmation Journal on a daily basis. By consistently reinforcing positive thoughts, this practice fosters a more optimistic perspective over time. Regularly jot down affirmations that resonate with you, tailoring them to address specific aspects of your emotional well-being. Creating the Affirmation Journal and incorporating daily affirmations, is a cohesive and intentional self-help strategy, empowering you to actively participate in fostering a positive and resilient mindset.

 

Abundance Mindset

Keep a gratitude journal where you regularly note down things you’re thankful for, cultivating an abundance mindset over scarcity. Pay attention to negative thought patterns, challenging and reframing them into more positive perspectives.

 

Engage in Healthy Habits

Incorporate physical activity into your routine, use a notebook to track your progress and note the positive impact on mood. Maintain a balanced diet, a notebook can serve as a log for nutritious food choices that support overall well-being. Track your sleep patterns in a separate notebook, ensuring you are getting enough quality sleep, as lack of sleep can significantly affect mood.

 

Social Connections

Use a notebook to plan social activities or reach out to friends and family, leveraging social connections for support and a sense of belonging. Share Feelings and open up to someone you trust about your feelings, utilizing the notebook as a communication tool to lighten the emotional burden.

 

Professional Support

Consider seeking therapy or counselling if your low mood persists. A mental health professional can offer tailored guidance and support.

 

Shadow Work

Dive into your personal exploration, identifying and dissecting triggers that stir the emotions beneath the surface. Recognising these subtle cues and situations empowers you to manage and navigate your emotional landscape with newfound clarity and resilience.

 

 

What is Shadow Work

Shadow work is a transformative practice that involves delving into the unconscious aspects of the self, collectively known as the “shadow.” This shadow encompasses repressed emotions, desires, fears, and traits that individuals may find personally uncomfortable or socially unacceptable.

The process of shadow work is a journey of self-exploration, where individuals confront and acknowledge these hidden sides of their personality, creating a deeper understanding of their own psyche. By identifying and integrating the shadow, individuals aim to achieve a more authentic and holistic sense of self, leading to personal development, growth and emotional healing. The tools for shadow work may include introspective practices such as journaling and meditation, providing a means for individuals to navigate their internal landscape and address unresolved aspects of their personality which could be the trigger for a low in mood feeling.

 

This introspective process also involves embracing paradoxes within the self, recognising and accepting contradictions that exist in thoughts, feelings, and mental and emotional behaviours. Shadow work goes beyond mere self-awareness; it encourages individuals to face personal challenges and navigate the complexities of their inner world with courage and absolute honesty. Whether applied in therapeutic settings or as part of spiritual and personal development practices, shadow work stands as a powerful means for individuals to engage in a continual process of self-discovery and integration, ultimately leading to a more  authentic sense of well-being.

 

 

How Shadow Questions can help address feeling of low mood

Shadow work questions are instrumental in addressing feelings of low mood as they guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery. When someone experiences a low mood, it often signals an underlying conflict or unacknowledged emotional turmoil. Shadow work questions provide a structured approach to unveiling these hidden facets, encouraging individuals to identify and confront repressed emotions, negative beliefs, and unresolved issues that may be contributing to their emotional distress. By delving into the shadows of the mind, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of their low mood, creating a pathway towards healing and emotional well-being.

 

Shadow work plays a pivotal role in promoting self-awareness and personal growth. By challenging negative thought patterns and uncovering hidden aspects of the self, individuals can reframe their perspectives and develop a more positive mindset. This process is not just about addressing the symptoms of low mood but goes to the core of one’s beliefs and emotions, fostering a holistic approach to mental and emotional health. As individuals engage in this introspective practice, they cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and a greater sense of inner harmony, providing tools for navigating and transcending periods of low mood.

 

 

Shadow Work Questions for Low in Mood feelings

Here are three shadow work questions that can help begin to uncover the underlying reasons for feelings of low mood:

 

1. What memories or past experiences trigger my low mood?

This question encourages reflection on specific events or experiences in your past that might be influencing your current emotional state. Exploring the connection between memories and your mood can unveil unresolved emotions.

 

2. What negative beliefs or self-talk contribute to my low mood?

Delve into your internal dialogue and identify any negative beliefs or self-critical thoughts that may be contributing to your low mood. Uncovering and challenging these automatic thoughts is a key aspect of shadow work.

 

3. Are there aspects of myself or my emotions that I’m avoiding or suppressing?

This question prompts introspection about whether there are certain emotions, aspects of your personality, or experiences that you may be consciously or unconsciously avoiding. Often, shadow work involves embracing and integrating these neglected parts of oneself.

 

In Short

In the pursuit of unravelling the complexities of a “Low in Mood” feeling, acknowledging and understanding this emotional state is paramount for holistic well-being. From exploring the myriad reasons behind why we experience low moods to developing strategies for overcoming them, the journey involves self-awareness, positive habits and potential professional interventions. Whether delving into the transformative practice of shadow work or using empowering tools like affirmations and journaling, the path to managing and transcending low moods is unique for each individual. By fostering self-compassion, resilience, and a proactive mindset, this exploration not only addresses the symptoms but encourages a profound and authentic sense of emotional well-being.