Depression vs. Sadness

Aiman and Hassan are two different persons, both of them didn’t receive an invitation to a gathering from their friends. Aiman got upset for not being given importance but to get over it, she cooked spaghetti for herself, did some skin care, read a book, and made up her day. On the contrary, Hassan sat on a couch and started thinking about past events, questioned his personality traits, and felt inferior and hopeless. He locked his room, kept it dark, and switched off his cell phone. See that Aiman just got sad, gave it a thought, and got over it while Hassan’s actions depict the likeliness to develop a depressive disorder.

You may also read: How to Overcome Sadness?

We have entered a ruthlessly radical era, where people face criticism, bullying, torn-out relations, reference-based allocations, nepotism, and financial burden son daily basis, apart from the irreversible loss of a dear one. People react to such situations in a multitude of ways, like anger, irritability, or quietness. To move on, they need to struggle with emotions. Here lies the distinction between sadness and depression i.e. in depression a person remains unable to forgo the worries and can’t control the brain in a way that can lead him to the success path.

To be precise depression involves loneliness, hopelessness, a sense of worthlessness, and an inability to get relaxed and happy. At the same length, a sad person can also be guilty or unable to plan and think constructively in the current state. But it is an emotional state after all which can be healed with time. So, the basic difference between the two is the degree, period, and prominent effects on life.

Is depression the same as sad?

No, sadness can be a primary cause of depression but it is not the same as sadness because the latter can be overcome by doing favorite things and hobbies or with time itself but the depression prolongs, it lasts for several weeks.  Another major difference is that, unlike sadness, depression can affect physical health as well. It can show up the symptoms like body pains, sleeping, and other relevant problems. A sad person can somehow enjoy little activities and get some energy to do his tasks while a depressive person has zero energy for even the smallest of tasks, in addition, he finds no interest in previously loved things, hence his miserable condition is on his nerves.

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Another major trait separating the two is the existence of cause. A sad person will be so due to any incident and he clearly knows that. However, it is not the case with depression as it doesn’t have a trigger, and the individual dislikes and is hopeless about almost everything.

Therefore it should be readily treated because if it remained untreated it may lead to severe illness and suicidal thoughts.

Are depression and sadness synonymous?

Yes, they are, as, both of them refer to melancholic; a state of being gloomy and sad. Whenever we hear the word depression, we get imagery of a sad and dejected person. But despite the relevance, they differ in the intensity of the condition.

When does sadness turn into depression?

Although sadness is momentary if it is not handled well, soon it can lead to mild depression. To snip out the sad and low mood you should try taking a walk in nature, calling a friend, finding a peaceful corner thinking about your blessings, and observing people who have larger problems than you. Sometimes, crying can also lighten your heart while it’s vital because keeping it in your heart, bearing, or ignoring can do no good.

How do I know if I am depressed?

If the feelings of sadness prevail for more than 2 weeks then it is possible to be the prey of clinical depression. It can also be characterized by the symptoms of depression which include;

• A fairly constant state of despair that lasts for the majority of the day and is accompanied by visible emotions of hopelessness and sadness.
• A persistent loss of interest in routine activities
• Increased sleep duration or intensity that interferes with daily schedules
• Fatigue and reduced energy every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or extreme guilt with the inability to focus or making decisions
• And the most dangerous, recurrent thoughts of suicide plans, death, or attempts at suicide.

However, it is not mindful to let the situation get worsen at this level. It is safe to get professional help beforehand. Moreover, feeling depressed is not always the reason for mental illness, the symptoms can rather be due to any other medical problem.

 Is depression worse than sad?

Yes, it is worse as it can affect a person’s physical and mental health along with his daily functioning. Depression takes a lot more time to recover than sadness. It affects decision-making power, enthusiasm, concentration, and memory too. It snubs the energy level resulting in a desperate life pattern. So one should not hold it back, take it as a disease that needs to be treated as urgently as possible because neglecting and thinking of it as “not being happy”, “not being thankful” or “just a phase” can worsen it merely. Share the problem with your family, and tell them you need help, this would be the first step. For the treatment, a health professional will be required. You’ll need to give a screening test for diagnosis, which is necessary even if you are just a little doubtful. Once, depression has been diagnosed the psychiatrist or psychologist will treat it either through medication, behavioral therapies, or both.

It is very said that ‘Prevention is better than cure’, therefore, to avoid further complications, contact a certified mental health professional just now, share all your concerns so that you may also move on towards normal life. If you hesitate physically visit of a mental health professional then you can opt for an online consultancy. Sehatyab has a team of experienced and skilled professionals, who are heartily determined to heal your mental health issues. All you need to do is reach out for help and just take a brave step towards your healthy life.