Depression or Sadness?
Sadness is an emotion often defined as a ‘transient emotional state’ which can include feelings such as disappointment, grief, hopelessness and disinterest. Like other emotions, sadness is something we all experience from time to time. but when we experience prolonged or severe sadness that is when it can turn into depression.
Depression differs from sadness in its intensity, frequency, and duration.
Intensity; While the event would make most people sad, you respond with a much deeper level of sadness. It is too intense. Your sadness moves outside the normal range of response. Frequency; Your sadness may not be out of proportion, but it is recurrent. You seem to get over it, and then it comes back. This repetitive cycle becomes a pattern in your life. Duration; Your sadness comes and it stays and stays. The sadness lasts much longer than it does for most other people in similar circumstances.
People with depression do not all experience the same symptoms. How severe, frequent, or how long they last will vary, depending on the individual and circumstances.
Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
If you feel you might be suffering from Depression, mild or otherwise, contact us now to see if talking to a therapist might help you.
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