Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

Undoubtedly, you have experienced feelings of sadness, disappointment, and hopelessness when you lose someone you love, face illness or miss something you once had, or when you do not get what you desire.

Sadness is a natural and healthy human emotion that occurs in response to specific situations that didn’t go well, challenging experiences or significant life changes. It usually diminishes with the support of family and friends.

Just as you feel happiness at times, you may feel sadness at other times. It concludes after a brief duration, typically lasting only a matter of days, depending on the seriousness of the situation. Afterward, the person returns to their normal state.

On the other hand, depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings o sadness and loss of interest. It affects an individual’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to various emotional and physical problems. People with depression may find it challenging to perform their daily activities and duties and sometimes feel as if life is not worth living.

Unlike sadness, depression is not a transient phase; it can last for at least two weeks to several months. Its causes may not always be clear or linked to specific events, and it doesn’t usually fade away without psychological support and treatment.

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, cultural, social, or economic status. 

Unfortunately, we often hold some incorrect beliefs and inaccurate assumptions about depression, which may delay its recognition or neglect its seriousness and lead to feelings of shame when seeking help and treatment. Some of these misconceptions include:

They may justify its existence and not seek treatment merely because they have faced difficult circumstances. However, the likelihood of developing depression may increase for those exposed to harsh conditions, but it is not a definite outcome. It’s like saying that someone who runs daily is bound to twist their ankle, when the truth is, running will only increase the risk compared to others but doesn’t mean they will live with an injury or exhaustion.

They may deny the possibility of having depression for those living in favorable conditions. For example, saying: “I never run, so my ankle will never twist!” “You have everything, so why do you complain/feel sad?” The chances of injury are low, but they exist.

Depression primarily depends on our ways of thinking, our perspectives, and our interpretations of life events. If our view is disturbed and irrational, we may experience depression, even if we are successful or have all the luxuries of life.

Depression is not just a passing state of sadness, nor is it a sign of weakness. It is not as simple as just “snapping out” of it. Sometimes, it requires long-term treatment, however, most people who seek treatment experience improvements and have a high chance of full recovery. If you are suffering from depression, don’t hesitate to seek treatment, as it is the first step towards healing and wellbeing.