Topics · Nicosia
Sadness and low mood
Sadness is part of life. But when a heavy mood will not lift and everything feels harder than it used to, you do not have to carry it alone.
Sadness, or something more?
Everyone feels sad after a loss, a break-up, a disappointment or a hard stretch of life. Usually, with time and the support of the people around us, our mood slowly lifts.
Sometimes, though, the sadness lasts for weeks, weighs on the whole day and cuts you off from things you used to enjoy. This may be depression. The World Health Organization counts it among the most common mental health conditions and notes that it can be treated. It can happen at any age, to children, teenagers, adults and older people.
Signs you may notice
If some of the following have lasted more than two weeks, it is worth talking to a professional:
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most days
- Less interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Tiredness and low energy, even for simple tasks
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- Pulling away from friends and family
In children and teenagers
In children and teenagers, low mood does not always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, anger, boredom, slipping at school or drifting away from friends. Some children often complain of headaches or tummy aches.
If you are worried, ask your child calmly how they are. Asking does not put ideas in their head. It shows them that you notice. Seeing a psychologist can help you understand what is going on and how best to support them.
How we can help
Therapy gives you a safe place to talk about what is weighing on you. With your psychologist, you can start to understand what keeps your mood low, look at the thoughts that pull you down and rebuild small things that give you energy. Many people find that, over time, things begin to feel lighter.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia, we offer individual sessions for adults, children and teenagers, family sessions and assessments. If a psychiatric assessment would help, we work with an associate psychiatrist. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY, in Greek, English or Romanian.
Your first session
You do not need to know exactly what is wrong. It is enough to say you are not feeling well. The psychologist will listen without judging and ask a few questions about your mood, your sleep and your daily life. What you share stays confidential, and together you will look at what might help.
When to get help straight away
If you are having thoughts that life is not worth living, or thoughts of harming yourself, please do not wait. Talk to someone you trust straight away. If you are in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is sadness or depression?
Sadness usually eases with time. If low mood lasts more than two weeks and affects your work, relationships or sleep, an assessment by a professional is a good idea. This page cannot give a diagnosis.
Will I need medication?
Only a doctor can decide that. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If it seems useful, we can suggest an assessment with a psychiatrist.
Can I come through GeSY?
Yes, to see a clinical psychologist with a referral from your personal doctor or a specialist doctor. You can also book privately, without a referral.
I am worried about someone close to me. What can I do?
Tell them you have noticed, ask how they are and listen without judging. Suggest they talk to a professional and, if they want, help them book an appointment.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization: Depressive disorder (depression)
- NHS: Low mood, sadness and depression
- NICE: Depression in children and young people (NG134)
- American Psychological Association: Depression
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.