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Depression versus Sadness: Understanding the Difference

3/12/2017

12 Comments

 
Blog series focusing on depression - this article outlines the major differences between depression versus sadness + infographic. #mentalhealth #awareness #therapy #counselling #counseling
|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.

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

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):
​
  • 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.


​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
Blog series focusing on depression - this article outlines the major differences between depression versus sadness + infographic. #mentalhealth #awareness #therapy #counselling #counseling

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​​

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

Blog series focusing on depression - this article outlines the major differences between depression versus sadness + infographic. #mentalhealth #awareness #therapy #counselling #counseling

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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
Blog series focusing on depression - this article outlines the major differences between depression versus sadness + infographic. #mentalhealth #awareness #therapy #counselling #counseling
​​Some links on this page are embedded with affiliate links that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you.
12 Comments
Katie link
3/15/2017 09:43:20 am

Great post. Some really interesting points to help differentiate between sadness and depression!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/5/2020 12:41:17 pm

Thanks very much for your comment, Katie!

Reply
Arfa link
3/15/2017 10:11:06 am

I think you've explained depression really well. Sometimes, symptoms go unnoticed which, in the end, results in terrible situations. Thanks for such help.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/15/2017 12:42:08 pm

I completely agree.. having support (or a diagnosis) early on can really help. Thanks for your comment!

Reply
Joanna link
3/15/2017 10:15:21 am

Very good distinction between the two. Love the video!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/15/2017 12:46:57 pm

I think the video does a great job at outlining the information and differences.. it was a perfect fit for my post. :) Glad you liked it!

Reply
Andrea | Moonlight Sweetness link
3/15/2017 10:26:49 am

Thanks fof sharing this. This is a great informative post that highlights the differences between depression and sadness, between having depression and feeling depressed. This post is definitely a must read!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/5/2020 12:42:01 pm

You're very welcome - and thank you very much for the comment, Andrea.

Reply
Gillian Kent link
3/15/2017 10:28:30 am

I suffered terrible post-partum depression after the birth of my first son. It was all of this. Terrible! This information is very important for family too because telling someone its just a little sadness and it'll pass or just think positively does not help.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/5/2020 12:43:34 pm

I can imagine that going through this experience would have been very difficult for you to go through.. especially with a newborn son. It can be important for friends and family to have an understanding of situations that can cause depression and how they can help. Thanks for your comment!

Reply
shan link
1/14/2019 09:52:52 pm

When life hits us hard, when emotions pins us down, site like yours and inspiring articles like yours keeps us going. Thank you

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux.ca link
3/5/2020 12:40:05 pm

I am so appreciative for your kind words. I hope that my articles bring awareness and hope to those impacted by mental health. All the best!

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