How is Depression different from Sadness?

Given that the primary symptom associated with depression is sadness, it can be hard to know how to make a distinction between the two psychological states. But depression is more than just sadness, and not simply by a measure of degree. 

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone will experience at some point in his or her life. Be it the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one, sadness is usually caused by a specific situation, person, or an event. When it comes to depression, however, no such trigger is needed. A person suffering from depression feels sad or hopeless about everything. This person may have every reason in the world to be happy and yet they lose the ability to experience joy or pleasure. 

With sadness, you might feel down for a day or two, but you’re still able to enjoy simple things like your favourite TV shows, food, or spending time with friends. This isn’t the case when someone is dealing with depression. Even activities that they once enjoyed are no longer interesting or pleasurable. 

What’s more, when you experience sadness triggered by a certain situation, you’re still able to sleep as you usually would, remain motivated to do things and maintain your desire to eat. Depression, on the other hand, is associated with serious disruption of normal eating and sleeping patterns, as well as not wanting to get out of bed all day. 

In sadness, you might feel regret or remorse for something you said or did, but you won’t experience any permanent sense of worthlessness or guilt as you might with depression. 

Finally, self-harm and suicidal inclinations don’t arise from non-depressive sadness. Those struggling with severe depression may have thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide, or have a suicide plan.