When to worry about low mood with generalised anxiety disorder

Ongoing worry can drain concentration, sleep, appetite, motivation and enjoyment. Feeling down may then make worries feel harder to manage. Low mood can also have another cause, so a clinician may ask about medicines, physical symptoms, recent stress and how long the change has lasted.

Record changes in sleep, appetite, energy, worry and activities for a few days. Keep regular meals, gentle movement and contact with someone you trust. Arrange a GP or mental-health appointment if low mood is continuing, returning often, or making work, study, self-care or relationships difficult. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek urgent help now if you might harm yourself, cannot stay safe, feel unable to care for yourself, or hear or see things others do not. Contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department, and stay with a trusted person if possible. Seek prompt clinical advice for rapidly worsening mood, severe agitation, or inability to sleep and function.

Ask whether your symptoms fit depression as well as anxiety, whether your treatment needs review, and which talking therapies or support services may help. Ask what warning signs should trigger urgent contact and how to make a safety plan.