What does depression have to do with sadness?

Depression and grief are two different things, although they may have some elements in common. Grief is a normal response to loss or difficult life events, while depression is a clinical illness that can affect mood, behaviour and physical health.

In grief, we usually feel sad, disappointed, or unhappy because of something that has happened to us, such as the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship. These feelings of sadness can be intense, but gradually improve and can be influenced by situations in everyday life.

However, depression is much more complex and lasts much longer than grief. People with depression may experience feelings of sadness and despair, feelings of helplessness, loss of interest in things they once loved, and persistent mood swings. They may feel worthless and lose interest in their lives. Depression can manifest itself in physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite.

Although grief and depression may share some common symptoms, such as sadness and loss of interest, depression is different in that it lasts much longer, affects the ability to manage daily activities, and can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. If you think you may be suffering from depression, you should consult a doctor or mental health professional.

Am I grieving or depressed?

It is natural to feel sad after losing a loved one or after going through a difficult event. But that doesn't mean we have depression. However, if feelings of sadness and grief are persistent, last longer than you expect, and affect your daily functioning, this may be a sign of depression. Some other symptoms of depression include:

• Mood changes: A person with depression may have sad or empty feelings, a loss of interest in things they once loved, or persistent mood swings. Some people with depression feel empty, heartless, or hopeless.

• Physical symptoms: Depression can also manifest itself with physical symptoms such as fatigue, headache, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Other physical problems may also occur, such as increased pain or worsening of chronic diseases.

• Behavioural changes: People with depression may have trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering. They may feel worthless and lose interest in their lives. Self-injurious behaviour or suicidal thoughts may also sometimes occur.

If you suspect that your feelings of sadness persist and are affecting your daily functioning, you should consult a doctor or mental health professional. They can help you determine if you have depression and suggest appropriate treatment.

PhDr. Ivana Čergeťová, PhD., LL.M., MBA, PCIC

I am a psychologist, NLP coach, attachment-based therapist, career counselor, and academic staff. I have been dedicated to the attachment theory in personal and work settings for over 20 years. I work on this topic not only as a counselor but also as a researcher. Meeting with me can help you if you are seeking an expert in mental health specializing in relationships, communication, and personal development. For more information, follow my social networks @radipsychologicka #attachment #relationships #love #attachment #JoinMeForAdvice #relationshiptherapist #development