Depression versus Sadness: Understanding the Difference

|This article will focus on the differences between a clinical diagnosis of the mental health condition of depression compared with a general feeling of overwhelming sadness or unhappiness. It can be important to know when to seek more help with feelings related to depression in order to be properly diagnosed and to start receiving professional treatment.

​Please note: While the information given in this article has been written by a therapist and referenced from reputable online mental health sources, this article does not contain medical advice. If you, or anyone you know, is concerned about symptoms that could relate to depression or any other mental health condition, I encourage you to seek further support from a doctor to investigate more into what's happening for you specifically, or to reach out for immediate help if you are feeling unsafe in any way.

Depression versus Sadness

What is the difference between depression and sadness? Often times, people may say "I'm feeling really depressed today" and while this person may be experiencing feelings of sadness, low energy, or just feeling really down in general, being diagnosed with a depressive condition is much different than an experience of short-term unhappiness.

​Clinical depression can be associated with feelings of severe despair over an extended period of time and induce feelings of hopelessness which can impact all areas of a persons life. Many people may try to hide their symptoms and suffer in silence even though depression is a widespread medical condition impacting over 300 million people worldwide.

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Watch the 4-minute TED talk below for a narrated and illustrated explanation about the differences between clinical depression and feelings of sadness.

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Areas to consider if you are concerned that you may be experiencing clinical depression versus an experience of extreme sadness (rate on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst):
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• Emotions (feeling hopeless, irritable, thoughts of suicide)
• Thoughts (difficulty concentrating, trouble making decisions)
• Energy levels (ability to complete daily tasks, motivation, level of interest)
• Sleep (too much, unable to fall asleep, not getting enough)
• Physical health (losing/gaining weight, loss of appetite, aches/pains)

If you are experiencing any of the above concerns in a severe way, for most of the day, and for at least two weeks, you may want to consult a doctor for a thorough assessment as these symptoms may relate to a diagnosis of depression. Without adequate professional support, the symptoms related to depression can become worse and even unmanageable.

​In comparison, feelings of general sadness usually dissipate over time or can be lifted with changes in lifestyle and diet. With support, clinical depression can be treated, and we will visit both self-care strategies and professional treatment options for depression in an article later in this series.

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​More Facts

• feeling sadness or grief is normal; prolonged feelings of extreme sadness & loss of interest in usual activities may relate to clinical depression
• women are more likely to experience a diagnosis of depression compared to men
• high prevalence in young people between the ages of 18 and 22
• can have single experience of depression; periods of depression during lifespan; prolonged bouts of depression lasting months or years
• clinical depression usually occurs with other mental health and/or health-related concerns
• depression is treatable

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Resources

Chances are quite high that depression will touch your life in some way, and even if you are not directly impacted by this mental health condition, you may know a friend, family member, or colleague who has experienced depression. Having an understanding that depression is not simply a 'choice' or character flaw, but a diagnosable medical condition, can help you to offer support to individuals experiencing this really difficult diagnosis.

Check out the resources listed below for more information about depression including memoirs written by individuals who have experienced clinical depression in their lives. ​

​Publications

• The National Institute of Mental Health's provides free publications on their website that outlines a lot of useful information about depression
• Download the article: Depression: What You Need to Know​

​Books​

• Understanding Depression: A Complete Guide to Its Diagnosis and Treatment  by Donald F. Klein & Paul H. Wender 
• An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison
• Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron

Crisis Supports

• Canada: suicideprevention.ca/need-help | The Lifeline App
• US: ​1-800-273-TALK (8255) | suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• ​International: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres​

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Additional Resources

• Symptoms & Causes of Depression​
• Self-Care Strategies & Professional Supports for Treating Depression

​References: cmha.ca; who.int; beyondblue.org; healthline.com; webmd.com; depressionhurts.ca

​*Some links on this page are embedded with affiliate links that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you.