Emotional Wellbeing
<p><b>Is it depression and sadness?</b></p>
<p>From time to time, feelings of sadness may overcome us. This is a normal part of human nature and in fact, should be embraced.</p>
<p>When you're sadder than usual though, you may think you’re “depressed.” While feeling sad is an integral part of depression, feeling sad and being depressed is not the same.</p>
<p>We often confuse the two even though there are substantial differences. Let’s explore the fundamentals of these two emotional and mental states.</p>
<p><b>Sadness vs depression</b></p>
<p><b>Sadness is a human emotion</b> that everyone has experienced. The loss or absence of a loved one, divorce, loss of job, financial trouble, marital or household issues can all affect your mood in a negative way and trigger sadness.</p>
<p>Sadness usually passes with time with the help of venting, crying, or talking out frustrations. If this emotional state doesn’t pass, or if you find it difficult getting back to normal functioning, it could be a sign of depression.</p>
<p><b>Depression is a mental illness. </b>The things and activities that once brought you joy don’t do the trick anymore. It shows itself in different depressive symptoms for at least two weeks and leaves you feeling constantly exhausted and hopeless.</p>
<p><b>Sadness is brief.</b> These feelings can fade with time. You may find that during a sad period, there are moments in your day where you feel a bit better and able to laugh or enjoy the presence of a friend or family.</p>
<p><b>Depression persists.</b> It defines your entire day, for at least two weeks. A distraction from a friend or favourite song in this case isn’t likely to make you feel better. All symptoms you’re experiencing may appear to be constant. In addition, it may seem impossible that you’ll ever feel better again.</p>
<p><b>Sadness is a trigger reaction.</b> It’s usually a reaction to a painful event or thought. Your sadness is caused by this experience, which is normal and healthy.</p>
<p><b>Depression is an abnormal general state.</b> Your symptoms don’t just develop when thinking of a certain event or person, they’re constant with every situation happening in your life. You may experience lack of concentration, feel unreasonably guilty, discouraged, hopeless and lose interest in activities you once enjoyed.</p>
<p><b>Sadness temporarily changes your mood.</b> You may be preoccupied and occasionally dip into sad thoughts; however you can still normally go about your day.</p>
<p><b>Depression changes your life.</b> When you’re clinically depressed, your daily life becomes difficult to endure and you may find it difficult to fall asleep.</p>
<p><b>Sadness is subjective.</b> Being sad is a feeling we all experience subjectively and independently.</p>
<p><b>Depression is diagnosed.</b> The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 criteria) is used to help determine if someone is sad or depressed. Your doctor can help determine the level of treatment necessary to manage symptoms.</p>
<p><b>Good to know</b></p>
<p>Remember, depression and sadness are linked, but aren’t the same. Get professional help if feelings of sadness continue for long periods, accompanied by sleep problems, loss of appetite, lack of energy and unexplainable aches or pains. These could indicate the development of depression.</p>
