Download The App

Apple store logo
Play store logo

General

Thursday, September 15, 2022

How to Differentiate Between Sadness and Depression.

How to Differentiate Between Sadness and Depression.

When I’m sad, sometimes, I spend half the time worrying if I’m actually depressed or just sad. It’s tough to draw the line between sadness and depression because their signs are so similar! 

Sadness is a natural reaction to pain, disappointment, loss, or difficult situations. It’s a normal feeling because everyone feels sad from time to time. Depression, on the other hand, is a mental disorder characterized by extreme and recurrent sadness. It can affect your mood, feelings, how you see yourself, and how you relate to situations around you.

In other words, sadness = a natural reaction to unpleasant situations; depression = sadness on steroids.

A woman experiencing sadness and depression.

Differences Between Sadness and Depression

The most significant difference between sadness and depression is the length of time: Sadness is usually short-lived and fades with time, but depression extends for a long period. A depressive episode typically lasts for at least two weeks.

Moreso, depression comes with additional symptoms. Common symptoms of depression include:

  • Anhedonia (loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy)
  • recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • changes in sleeping or eating patterns
  • withdrawal from social activities
  • constant feelings of sadness
  • feelings of guilt and shame
  • feelings of worthlessness
  • body ache or headaches
  • difficulty concentrating
  • irritability

Note: Recurring thoughts about death, suicide, or self-harm are solely symptoms of depression.

If you’re sad, you may experience some of these symptoms, but they won’t last up to/more than two weeks. But if you can relate to these symptoms constantly beyond two weeks, you may be depressed. Reach out to a mental health professional and identify whether you’re really dealing with depression or not.

Takeaway

Everyone feels sad, but if you’re struggling to figure out if you’re experiencing sadness or depression — or just want to talk it out, talking to a mental health professional is a great step to consider. Reach out to us if you need help finding a qualified professional. Your mental wellness is our utmost priority!

Share this post

Related Posts:

The Cost of Therapy in Nigeria.

The Cost of Therapy in Nigeria: What You Need to Know.

Mental health care has become a pressing need in Nigeria, with more people recognizing the importance of therapy in achieving […]

General

Mental Health

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Read More
7 Helpful Tips To Get The Most Out of Teletherapy.

Top Therapists and Counselors in Nigeria.

Finding the right mental health support can make all the difference. At Mytherapist.ng, we offer access to the best therapists […]

7 Helpful Tips To Get The Most Out of Teletherapy.

Navigating Tech-Media Life with Autism in Nigeria – A Chat with Victoria Fakiya

Victoria Fakiya is a Seasoned Reporter for Techpoint Africa, a widely-read tech media company that covers African technology news. She […]

General

Interviews

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Read More

AS SEEN ON

This is your sign to put yourself first.

Start therapy today — the relief you deserve is just a few taps away.

Apple store imagePlay store image