Is It Depression or Sadness? Learn the Signs

 

Sadness is a human emotion that all people feel at certain times during their lives. Feeling sad is a natural reaction to situations that cause emotional upset or pain. There are varying degrees of sadness. But like other emotions, sadness is temporary and fades with time. In this way, sadness differs from depression.
Depression is a longer-term mental illness. It impairs social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning. Left untreated, symptoms of depression may last for a long time.

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between depression and sadness.

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Symptoms

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When you’re sad, it may feel all-encompassing at times. But you should also have moments when you are able to laugh or be comforted. Depression differs from sadness. The feelings you have will affect all aspects of your life. It may be hard or even impossible to find enjoyment in anything, including activities and people you used to enjoy. Depression is a mental illness, not an emotion.
Symptoms of depression may include:

• constant feelings of sadness
• irritability
• fatigue
• changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• difficulty concentrating
• loss of interest and enthusiasm for things which used to provide pleasure
• feelings of deep, unwarranted guilt
• physical symptoms, such as headaches or body aches that do not have a specific cause
• feelings of worthlessness
• constant thoughts about death
• suicidal thoughts or actions

You may have some of these symptoms if you are sad, but they shouldn’t last more than two weeks. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of depression, not sadness.

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Sources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Guide to the DSM-5 criteria

Mental health professionals use the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 criteria) to help determine if someone is sad or depressed. You may receive a diagnosis of depression or persistent depressive disorder if you meet the criteria.
The DSM-5 criteria include nine potential symptoms of depression. The severity of each symptom is also weighed as part of the diagnostic process. The nine symptoms are:

1. feeling depressed throughout each day on most or all days
2. lack of interest and enjoyment in activities you used to find pleasurable
3. trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
4. trouble eating, or eating too much, coupled with weight gain or weight loss
5. irritability, restlessness, or agitation
6. extreme fatigue
7. unwarranted or exaggerated feelings of guilt or worthlessness
8. inability to concentrate or make decisions
9. suicidal thoughts or actions, or thinking a lot about death and dying

Read more: Signs of depression »

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Risk factors

Depression can occur in both men and woman of any age. Depression affects people across all ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
There are several risk factors for depression. But having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll become depressed. Risk factors include:

• early childhood or teenage trauma
• inability to cope with a devastating life event, such as the death of a child or spouse, or any situation that causes extreme levels of pain
• low self-esteem
• family history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder or depression
• history of substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol
• lack of family or community acceptance for identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).
• trouble adjusting to a medical condition, such as cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or heart disease
• trouble adjusting to body changes due to catastrophic injury, such as loss of limbs, or paralysis
• history of prior mental health disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety disorder
• lack of a support system, such as friends, family, or coworkers

Depression is also a possible side effect of some medications. If you’re concerned that a drug you’re taking is affecting your mood, discuss it with your doctor. Some medications that might cause depression include:

• beta-blockers
• corticosteroids
• hormonal medications
• statins, which are drugs used to treat high cholesterol

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When should you seek help?

Talk to your doctor if you experience sadness for longer than two weeks. And call emergency services to receive immediate medical help if you’re having suicidal thoughts.
Note if your feelings interfere with your ability to function, take part in life, or experience enjoyment. Speaking to a professional, like a therapist, clergy member, or other trusted person, can be a powerful first step toward recovery.
Learn more: The best depression apps of 2016 »

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Diagnosis

Your doctor will use several diagnostic tools to help distinguish between sadness and depression. You doctor will ask you a series of questions or have you fill out a questionnaire based on the DSM-5 criteria. This will help them determine if you’re experiencing sadness or depression.
They’ll also want to talk to you about your symptoms. They’ll ask how you’re feeling and what your daily life is like.
Your doctor may also do a physical exam. This will determine any underlying health problem affecting your condition. That could include a blood test to determine if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

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Treatment

If you’re experiencing sadness, some minor lifestyle changes may help.

• Connect with other people. Make a phone call, take a yoga class, or join a jogging club, knitting circle, or another group that interests you.
• Build in time each day for an activity you enjoy.
• Watch funny television shows or movies, or read a lighthearted or funny book.
• Engage in physical activities or sports.
• If you love animals, spend time each day with a furry friend.
• Do not self-medicate through the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Treat yourself kindly by eating healthy and trying to get enough sleep.
• If you have trouble sleeping, try meditating or taking a warm bath before bed.
• Simplify your life as best you can.

Lifestyle changes can also help you feel better if you’re experiencing depression. But these changes may not be enough. If you’re depressed, psychological counseling with a professional you trust can make a difference. This type of counseling is also known as talk therapy.
If you’re depressed or suicidal, you can receive inpatient care by staying in a hospital or other therapeutic setting.
Your physician or therapist may prescribe medications for you. There are many different types of antidepressants. You and your doctor will decide which ones you should try. These depend on your needs, family history, allergies, and lifestyle. You may need to try several before you find a treatment plan that works best for you. Sometimes, antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts. It’s important that you let your doctor know immediately if you experience worsening depression.
Learn more: Depression medications list »

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Outlook

If you’re experiencing a period of sadness, lifestyle changes and being proactive may help. You may also seek out professional help if you feel it will help to talk. Or if you feel medication may help.
Depression is treatable. But simple lifestyle changes may not be enough to help your recover. You’ll likely need to take part in therapy. You might also take medication to help treat your symptoms.
Allow yourself to get the help you need. If you feel that you can’t take the next step, try to connect with someone who will take that step with you. For example, talk to a trusted family doctor. Or you could ask a friend or family member to go with you to your first appointment with a therapist. No matter how you’re feeling today, you deserve, and can achieve, hope and healing.

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Takeaway

Conquering both sadness and depression takes effort. Make sure to keep your appointments if you’re seeing a therapist. And talk out everything that is on your mind. Here are some more tips to help you manage both sadness and depression:

• Set your alarm clock and wake up at the same time each day. Maintaining a routine that includes self-care can help make life more manageable.
• Include physical activity in your routine. It can boost mood and improve your health.
• Don’t isolate yourself. Spend some time each day with someone you like, either in person, or on the phone.
• Resume activities that have given you joy in the past, or try new activities that interest you. Having something to look forward to can help boost your mood.

  Millions of people around the world experience depression at one point or another in their lives.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) note that depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses in the United States.
Sadness is an integral part of depression, but it is not the same thing. It is important to know and understand the differences because confusing them can lead to inappropriate treatment.

Contents of this article:

1. What is sadness?
2. What is depression?
3. Treatment for depression

What is sadness?

Sadness may be linked to a specific trigger.

Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at some time. A number of events can leave people feeling sad or unhappy, such as the loss or absence of a loved one, divorce, loss of job or income, financial trouble, issues at home, or social anxiety.
Failing an exam, not getting a job, or other disappointing events can also trigger sadness.
However, a person who is sad can usually find some relief from crying, venting, or talking out frustrations. This is because sadness is more likely to be linked to a specific trigger.
Sadness usually passes with time. If it does not pass, or if the person becomes unable to function normally, this could be a sign of depression. If symptoms worsen or last longer than 2 weeks, the person should talk to their doctor.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that affects every part of a person's feelings and perception. It affects behaviors and attitudes and can affect people of any gender or age.
In 2015, around 16.1 million people aged 18 years or above in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year. This represented 6.7 percent of all American adults.
Symptoms include feelings of discouragement, sadness, hopelessness, a lack of motivation, and a loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable. In severe cases, the person may think about or attempt suicide.
The person may no longer feel like spending time with family or friends. They may stop pursuing their hobbies and feel unable to go to work or school.
Daily habits may change unexpectedly and without reason. A person with depression may find it difficult to continue doing the things they normally enjoy.
If these feelings of doubt last more than 2 weeks, a healthcare professional may diagnose the person with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Signs and symptoms of MDD include:

• Daily depressed mood with noticeable signs of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest
• Daily loss of interest in normal activities for an extended amount of time
• Significant weight loss or gain without trying - there may be a 5 percent change in body weight
• Insomnia, sleeplessness, or increased amounts of sleep that affect normal schedules
• Tiredness and low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, excessiveness, or guilt on a daily basis
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts or plans

A person who experiences any five of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks is considered to have a more serious problem than sadness.
For a diagnosis of MDD, the doctor should link the symptoms only to depression and not to another medical diagnosis, such as substance abuse or disability.
Unlike sadness, depression can leave a person struggling to express their feelings. If the person tries to release the stress, the overpowering feelings and negative thoughts can prevent them from building themselves up again.

Treatment for depression

Depression may be treated with medication or psychotherapy.

If a person has symptoms of depression for longer than 2 weeks, they should seek professional help. A physician can help to determine the level of help needed by the individual.
Following diagnosis, possible treatments include medication, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Medications

Medications include a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps to affect mood and social behavior. Examples of SSRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these drugs can ease the symptoms of depression, although they do carry a risk of adverse side effects.
For example, when people first use antidepressants, there is a risk that their symptoms will worsen before getting better. Family members should monitor the patient closely and seek medical attention if they are concerned.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have expressed concern that some SSRIs can cause serious side effects in younger people and birth defects if taken during pregnancy. As a result of this, the drugs carry a black box warning, which is an important notice on the leaflet outlining the possible dangers of the drugs.
When prescribing such drugs, physicians must carefully balance the pros and cons of use.

Psychotherapy and counseling

Psychotherapy involves talking to a trained professional. This can help to uncover the issues underlying the condition.
It may be used on its own or along with antidepressants. A therapist can help to identify problem areas, teach coping mechanisms, and educate a patient about their condition.
A person with severe depression may be admitted to the hospital if they are in immediate danger or if they are unable to take care of themselves.
Outpatient facilities can help with long-term care.

Written by Jenny Fitzgerald