Sadness vs Depression: Understanding the Key Differences and Signs

"I'm so depressed" is a common phrase to use when we're feeling sad. Sadness and depression are terms often used interchangeably, though there are some significant differences between these two concepts. Let's examine some of the similarities and differences between depression and sadness so that we can better identify when ourselves or someone we love may need help.

What is depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It’s a common mood disorder that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves.

While sadness is a part of depression, depression is not just sadness; it’s a mental illness that can be serious and constant, not occasional. It can affect daily life, relationships, and work, making it hard to function normally.

Understanding Sadness and Depression

Sadness is a normal emotional response to a specific event or situation, lasting for a few minutes, a few hours, or even weeks in the face of significant life events.

Depression is a mental illness characterized by a combination of depressive symptoms that last for at least two weeks, causing significant distress. Sadness is a temporary emotional state, whereas depression is a persistent mental health condition. Depression affects multiple areas of life, including emotions, thoughts, and physical experiences.

Depression is a common mental disorder, affecting an estimated 7% of adults in the US every year. Experts believe around 16% of adults in the US (1 out of 6) will experience depression at some point in their life.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression can sometimes be mistaken for sadness. However, clinical depression can manifest as a wide variety of symptoms. Most people do not have all the symptoms but may experience several. Some common symptoms include:

• Feeling sad and withdrawn most of the day
• Loss of interest in activities that once gave you pleasure
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Difficulty remembering things
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep problems like insomnia or sleeping too much
• Feel worthless or hopeless
• Physical symptoms such as body aches and low energy
• Depressed mood, irritability, and restlessness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts

To be diagnosed with depression, a provider will determine that you are experiencing at least five depression symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks.

Identifying the Need for Professional Help

If symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help early can lead to better outcomes.

Signs that it may be time to seek help include difficulty performing daily tasks, changes in mood, and feelings of hopelessness. Comparing current symptoms to past experiences can help identify signs of depression.

Seeking Help and Resources

A good first step if you suspect that your sadness is not a normal reaction to life events but is a pervasive condition is to contact a primary care physician, who can rule out any other medical condition that may be causing symptoms. If they believe that it's depression, they can refer you to a therapist who can provide support and guidance to help manage depression.

Seeking therapy does not mean a person is flawed or damaged, but rather that they are seeking help to manage a difficult condition.

Finding the right therapist can be an important step in recovering from depression. Online resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's or the National Institute of Mental Health's treatment locators can help you find mental services in your area.

Treatments for Depression

If you feel sad in a way that also makes you lose interest in the things you used to enjoy, you're staying asleep more than typical, or your lack of energy is negatively impacting your life and relationships you may be experiencing depression. Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling, so you can get the support you need.

Treatment for depression is extremely treatable, with around 80–90% of those who seek treatment responding well. Typically, this treatment includes one or more of the following:

Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most commonly applied, in which you work with a mental health professional to identify and change problematic thoughts and behaviors.

Prescription medication. Antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry responsible for depressed feelings. There are several types of antidepressants, and your doctor or mental health professional will work closely with you to find one or a combination that works best for you.

Lifestyle change and complementary medicine. Your provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, mindfulness, and outdoor activity, to help reset. They may also recommend complementary therapies such as massage, biofeedback, or acupuncture.

Brain stimulation. For those with a severe form of depression known as treatment-resistant depression, your doctor may recommend one of several brain stimulation therapies: electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation.

Overcoming Depression in Chicago, IL

Even the most severe depression can be treated with antidepressant medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both. A professional can help develop a plan to address symptoms and improve mental health. It may take trial and error to find the best treatment, but with the right help, you can feel better.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Chicago psychotherapists allows you to work with a provider that can create a treatment plan, offering a variety of practical strategies, healthy coping skills, and techniques that will allow you to reduce the symptoms of depression and experience a greater quality of life.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with sadness or having difficulty navigating everyday life. With the right support, it’s possible to treat depression and improve overall well-being. If you have been thinking about seeking help, reach out to our customer service coordinator to get matched with a professional who can offer tools and strategies to manage symptoms and feel an interest in life again.