Depression Is Not Sadness
Losing your love, ending a job, or breaking up a relationship are all difficult events for a person to go through. It is common for people to experience depression or sadness in response to such circumstances. People who have lost something often describe themselves as “depressed.”
But being depressed is not the same as being sad. The grieving process is normal, particular to each person, and shares some characteristics with depression.
Differentiate between depression and sadness
Depression and sadness both have the potential to cause extreme sadness and withdrawal from daily activities. In addition, they differ in several key ways:
When someone is grieving, unpleasant emotions frequently come in waves and are combined with happy recollections of the deceased. For the majority of two weeks, mood and/or interest (pleasure) are diminished in serious depression.
Self-esteem is typically preserved during mourning. Feelings of worthlessness and self-hatred are frequent in serious depression.
When contemplating or fantasizing about “joining” the deceased loved one, ideas of death may come to mind. Due to feelings of worthlessness, Un deservingness of life, or inability to handle the pain of melancholy, thoughts of suicide are common in serious depression.
Depression and sadness may coexist. Some people experience depression as a result of the death of a loved one, losing their job, falling victim to physical violence, or experiencing a tragedy. In these cases, depression may coexist with sadness.
It’s crucial to distinguish between depression and sadness because doing so can help people get the support, care, and treatment they require.
Causes of Depression
Depression may have a number of reasons. From biological to circumstantial, they can vary.
- Genes are a frequent contributing factor (family history)
- biochemical components (brain chemistry)
- condition personality type
- Stressful or traumatic events, such as abusive relationships, bullying, and long-term pressures at work, can make people older.
Risk factors for depression
A risk factor raises the probability of developing a health issue. Depression can exist with or without any of the following. However, the chance of developing depression increases as you take on more risks. To minimize your risk, speak with your doctor.
Multiple factors can increase the probability to have depression. These may consist of the following:
- genealogy and genetics
- traumatizing background and ongoing stress
- gender-based malnutrition
- unsolved loss or sadness
- character qualities
- drug and medication use
Symptoms and signs
Although the indications and symptoms of depression differ from person to person, there are some universal ones. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these symptoms can be a part of the typical bad points in life. But the chance that you are experiencing depression and sadness increases with the number, intensity, and duration of your symptoms.
10 widespread signs of depression
- a sense of powerlessness and despair. The situation will never get better, and there is nothing you can do to change it.
- a decline in interest in routine activity Your previous interests, pastimes, social activities, or sex are no longer important to you. Your capacity for joy and pleasure has been lost.
- changes in weight or appetite. A change in body weight of more than 5% in a month indicates significant weight loss or increase.
- Sleep modifies. Oversleeping or insomnia, particularly waking up early in the morning.
- Angry or irritable mood. being restless, anxious, or even violent. You have a low tolerance threshold, a quick temper, and are easily irritated by anything or anyone.
- a drain in energy feeling physically spent, exhausted, and worn out. Your entire body could feel heavy, and even seemingly simple chores may take longer or be more demanding to do.
- Self-loathing. Strong sentiments of remorse or worthlessness You are extremely critical of yourself for perceived flaws and errors.
- reckless actions. You indulge in risky activities like substance misuse, obsessive gambling, driving carelessly, or dangerous sports as a kind of escape.
- difficulty with focus. difficulty concentrating, choosing, or remembering.
- Unaccounted-for aches and discomfort a rise in bodily aches and pains such as headaches, backaches, sore muscles, and stomachaches.
Discuss your depression and sadness
Your partner, family, and friends may find it challenging to cope with your depression. Depression is a condition that not only affects you but also those around you. Since many people find it difficult to inquire, it might be much harder for you to express your sentiments. Also, don’t blame them. Try to make it clear how they can assist you so they are aware of what they can accomplish.
Diagnosing depression and sadness
Everybody occasionally experiences depression and sadness, sometimes both together, and sometimes either depression or sadness. However, the symptoms of clinical depression are more severe and continue for at least two weeks.
Your healthcare specialist will question you in order to ascertain whether you suffer from clinical depression. You can offer a family history and answer a questionnaire. In order to determine whether you have any further medical conditions, your doctor may also conduct an examination or request lab testing.
Resources and references: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, MedicalNewsToday.
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