Our RECOMMENDED therapists

Meet our therapists offering help with Low mood

Looking for help with Low mood? You're in the right place.

What is low mood?

Low mood describes a period of feeling down, flat, tired or discouraged. Everyone goes through it from time to time, after a disappointment, a stressful period or a change in circumstances. It often lifts after a few days or weeks, especially when the cause eases. But low mood can also settle in, quietly reducing energy, motivation and pleasure, until everyday life starts to feel heavy.

Low mood is not the same as clinical depression, although the two lie on a continuum. Paying attention early, and getting support when it lasts, can stop it from deepening. On this page you will find common signs, possible causes, what therapy can offer and therapists who can help, in person or online.

Common signs of low mood

  • Feeling sad, empty, irritable or tearful more often than usual
  • Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
  • Low energy, tiredness that sleep does not fix
  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Harsh self-talk, guilt or a sense of not being good enough
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Pulling away from friends, family or activities

Low mood, depression or something else?

The difference is mostly a matter of intensity and duration. When symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, and they affect work, relationships or self-care, a professional should assess whether it is depression. A long-lasting, milder low mood that has been there for years may correspond to persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Low mood that comes back every autumn and winter can point to seasonal affective disorder, and marked ups and downs to mood swings.

Possible causes and contributing factors

Low mood rarely has a single cause. It usually comes from a combination of circumstances, habits and personal history:

  • Stress at work, burnout or exhaustion
  • Loneliness and the loss of a familiar social network, common after moving abroad
  • Life transitions: a new job, a new country, a separation, becoming a parent, retirement
  • Relationship difficulties or conflict
  • Poor sleep, little daylight, lack of movement, alcohol
  • Physical health problems or hormonal changes (a doctor can check these)
  • Earlier experiences of loss, criticism or trauma

How therapy can help

Therapy helps you understand what is keeping your mood low and what helps it lift. A therapist works with you to notice patterns of thinking and behaviour that drain energy, to reconnect with activities and people that matter, and to address the situations behind the low mood. Sessions are collaborative: you set the goals together and review progress regularly. Many people notice a difference after a few weeks.

Therapy approaches that can help

CBT, and in particular behavioural activation, is one of the best-studied approaches for low mood. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on relationships and role changes, ACT on living according to your values, compassion-focused therapy on self-criticism, and MBCT helps prevent low mood from returning.

Practical steps that can help

  • Plan one small, achievable activity each day, even when motivation is low: action often comes before motivation
  • Get outside in daylight and move your body, even for ten minutes
  • Keep regular times for sleep and meals
  • Reach out to one person this week, in your own language if that is easier
  • Limit alcohol, which deepens low mood over time
  • Write down what drains you and what lifts you, and look for patterns

When to seek help

Talk to a therapist or a doctor if low mood lasts more than two weeks, keeps coming back, or makes it hard to work, study or look after yourself. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency number (112 in Europe) or a crisis line immediately.

€60–€120

Consider reaching out for professional support if your symptoms are frequent, intense, or interfere with your daily life (work, studies, relationships, sleep).

If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. This page about Low mood is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

Low mood: frequently asked questions

What are common symptoms of Low mood?

Common signs may include low mood or sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy and fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, hopelessness or harsh self-criticism. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a qualified professional can help clarify what is happening.

Which therapies can help with Low mood?

The best therapy depends on the person’s symptoms, goals, history, and preferences. A therapist can recommend an approach after assessment.

How long does treatment for Low mood take?

8–16 weeks is typical for focused work, sometimes longer for recurrent or severe depression.

When should I seek help for Low mood?

Consider reaching out for professional support if symptoms are frequent, intense, or interfere with work, studies, relationships, sleep, or daily functioning. If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. This page is educational and does not replace medical advice.

Upcoming workshops and events

Group workshops and events led by therapists from our network, in person or online.

30 Oct 2026

An Introduction to DBT-Inspired Skills

Online17:00960 min560.00 EUR

Schedule : Friday afternoons, 8 sessions (2 hours each) 30 October · 6, 13, 20, 27 November · 4, 11, 18 December 2026 There are moments when emotions seem to…

Mora Neustadt

why My International Therapy?

Because We Are Not a Matching Platform

Unlike other matchmaking platforms,
My International Therapy is an actual place that you can visit in your city! 
We are a mental health ecosystem

The therapists are Hand picked

All therapists are recruited, interviewed and selected by our team of mental health experts.

we are an actual therapy center !

We have physical locations! Visit us in Germany, France, Spain... and more to come!

An ecosystem of resources for our therapists

Supervisions, regular meetings, workshops and events as well as full support and therapy material is part of our DNA

we are therapists ourselves!

We are a team of dedicated psychologists and therapists

Looking for a therapy?

Book in 3 easy steps

create an account in 2 minutes

Step 1

Create an account in a few minutes

Step 2

Browse therapist per capacity and matching criteria

Step 3

Book a therapy with the verified therapist of your choice

Explore more

Related concerns

Other difficulties our therapists can help you with. Open a topic to find the right therapist.