When I’m feeling really down I have to either build something or fix something. It’s really the only way I’ll start to feel better. Somehow building models or working on cross stitch or taking apart an appliance to find out why it doesn’t work makes everything feel kind of “normal” again.

I’ve been there several times. Intend to lean that way, and yeah it’s a sign of depression. Everyone experiences it at some point, but if it’s lasting then yeah seek outside help. I also agree with @MrJamesGumb. When I’m down if I can build something or fix something it helps. Building a Gundam or Lego kit allows you to actively see that you’re making progress on something. And that little bit of “things are moving and improving” can help to pull me out of my slump.

I think the answer is yes to both.

The latter more than the former.

Yes.

I’m not surprised you said it’s the latter. I would say the same before I got professional treatment for my depression-turned-out-BPD2 diagnosis.

now I’m keen to answer it’s both. mood own, something I really like could raise my mood, but it also could prevent me from even consume it, for example

it depends in whether its low or high energy emotion, and whether it’s unpleasant or pleasant