Understanding the Line Between Sadness and Depression
The term depressed is used a lot in our modern day. You hear from others that they feel “depressed” more so then maybe you hear someone say that they are just “sad.” The words between both are often now exchanged interchangeably when in reality there are notable differences between them. This article will help you understand the differences and similarities between these terms and may also help you determine whether or not you can define what you experience.
What is the difference between them?
Sadness is an emotion that anyone can experience over the span of their lives. Sadness is a feeling to describes a state of being due to having experienced sad situations, experiences, or circumstances. In some ways, you may be better able to define and identify why the feeling of sadness is brought about. Depression is lingering sadness that may also be harder to define the specific cause.
Depression is when feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness are present for a long period of time and start to interfere with functioning in everyday life. Mental health professionals have different ways in which they help individuals define the severity and type of symptoms that they experience as a result of their depression. While sadness is a more concrete definition to describe an emotional state, depression is more expansive in the way it can be defined.
How can depression be defined by mental health professionals?
Mental Health professionals look to the DSM to help determine if there is a prevalence of depression, type of depression, and severity of depression symptoms. For someone to qualify for a depression diagnosis they must meet the criteria of symptoms. Major depressive disorder includes symptoms of loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite, lack of sleep or sleeping too much, decrease in concentration, and fatigue to name a few.
The amount of symptoms present in an individual defines then the range that they fall on the depression spectrum from mild to severe. Depression may be just a part of an adjustment disorder if symptoms have been present for a shorter period of time before it can qualify as major depression. Depression can also be diagnosed with mixed features including anxiety. If you have questions about your symptoms, and what you qualify for, reach out to mental professional help that can help to determine where you might fall within the spectrum.
What is the prevalence of depression?
We know that at least 1 out of 10 adults in the United States are affected by depression. Unfortunately with depression comes the greater risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Depression and suicide are highly correlated with one another and about one person every twelve minutes dies by suicide. That's why it's so important to continue to have conversations surrounding all mental health issues including depression.
If you or someone you love experiences symptoms of depression the best course of action is to seek mental health professional help. If you or someone you love are having thoughts of suicide reach out to crisis services. You can call or text the number 988 to get access to a crisis professional to help. Don't hesitate to reach out, it is so important and can save your life or someone else's.
Begin Therapy for Depression in Charlotte, NC
Here at Inward Counseling, we are here to help with needs associated with depression symptoms. Reach out to us to see if we might be a good fit for you and your needs. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to help you from our Charlotte, NC-based practice. Follow these simple steps to start your therapy journey:
Fill out our contact form
Meet with a caring therapist
Start addressing the depression symptoms affecting you most!
Other Services Offered with Inward Counseling
Therapy for depression isn’t the only service offered by Inward Counseling. We know that you may experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to also offer therapy for trauma, family, Christian counseling, and EMDR. We also offer anxiety therapy and couples counseling. Visit our blog or about page to learn more today.