If you or someone you know has experienced a low mood for more than two weeks, consider talking to a mental health professional as this may be a sign of depression.
Key Points
Summary
Knowing the difference between sadness and depression can help you determine if you need to seek professional help. Sadness is a natural emotional response that can last for a few hours or weeks. Depression, on the other hand, is characterised by feelings of worthlessness and can last for weeks, months, or even years if not managed properly.
Outline
Sadness is a normal human emotion that we all go through from time to time. But how do you know when sadness had turned into depression?
In this article, we’ll help you gain a deeper understanding of the key characteristics of sadness and depression so you can determine whether you should seek professional help.
Sadness is a natural emotion experienced by everyone. It is an emotional response triggered by certain events and situations such as being rejected, the loss of a loved one, the loss of something important to you, or experiencing a major disappointment or setback. It may be accompanied by crying, a feeling of internal heaviness, and a lack of enthusiasm.
Although sadness can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional well-being, it is temporary and usually subsides. It can last for a few hours to a few weeks depending on the gravity of the situation. After this temporary period, people will resume their daily activities such as work, study, and other normal routines.
People experiencing sadness can often find relief through allowing themselves to express their emotions, talking to others about their sadness, and engaging in soothing activities.
Depression, on the other hand, can last for many weeks, months, or even years if not treated or addressed properly.
Depression can make people feel hopeless and worthless, causing them to lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Common physical symptoms include changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and loss of libido. At its worst, it can lead to thoughts and acts of suicide.
Depression will impair how people function in their daily lives, significantly affecting their work or study, engagement in social and recreational activities, and/or relationships.
The good news is that depression is treatable.
If you or someone you know has experienced a low mood for more than two weeks, consider talking to a mental health professional as this may be a sign of depression.
At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, our psychologists are able to diagnose depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. We follow a person-centred approach to deliver personalised services aimed at helping our clients achieve positive changes in their lives.
We provide in-person psychology services at our clinic in Eltham, Victoria and telehealth psychology services that can be accessed anywhere in Australia.
Refer to our website or call Sureway Health & Wellbeing to find out how we can help.
