When to seek help for a child's low mood

4 min read · Last reviewed Wed Jul 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Routine support vs urgent help

Most low mood in children responds well to a combination of time, support, and — where needed — professional input such as talking therapy. Knowing the difference between "worth raising with the GP" and "needs help today" can make a real difference.

Raise with your GP (non-urgent, but don't delay)

Low mood, irritability, or withdrawal lasting two weeks or more
Noticeable drop in school performance or engagement
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, including special interests
Sleep or appetite changes alongside mood changes
Increasing social withdrawal

Your GP can refer to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) or recommend talking therapies, which have good evidence for childhood depression, often used before or alongside any medication route.

Seek same-day help (GP, NHS 111, or out-of-hours service) if

Your child talks about feeling hopeless, worthless, or that things won't get better
There's a sudden, marked change in mood or behaviour
Your child has started self-harming, even in a way that seems minor

This is an emergency — call 999 or go to A&E if

Your child has expressed thoughts of suicide or a plan to harm themselves
Your child has taken an overdose or seriously harmed themselves
You believe your child is in immediate danger

In the UK, you can also contact Childline (0800 1111) or the Samaritans (116 123) for immediate support, and NHS 111 can advise on urgent mental health concerns out of hours.

If you're worried but unsure

It is always reasonable to ask directly, calmly, "are you having thoughts of hurting yourself, or wanting to not be here?" Asking does not plant the idea or increase risk — it opens the door to honesty and to getting help sooner.

Supporting yourself

Supporting a child through low mood or a mental health crisis is heavy. Lean on other adults, your GP, or support organisations — you don't have to manage this entirely alone, and your own wellbeing affects your capacity to support your child.