Know the difference between sadness and depression | Fusion - WeRIndia

People often confuse between sadness and depression. Though both are linked, they are not the same. It is important to know the difference between both of them to avoid serious health consequences.

Sadness is a common human emotion. There are several events in one’s life that can make him/her sad like a failure in an exam, loss of job or income, loss of loved ones etc.

But, you will find some relief from sharing your sadness with someone or crying. Sadness is caused by a specific thing.

In other words, it has a trigger. Moreover, the sadness goes and mood changes with time.

But, depression is a mental disorder which doesn’t have a specific trigger. It has no identifiable cause. Unlike sadness, depression does not go away with time. Even after crying or talking to someone, depressed people cannot go back to their regular activities and they struggle, as depression persists for a long time. It remains with a person all the time and every situation.

The following are the common symptoms of a depressed person:

• Loss of interest in regular activities for a longer period
• Depressed or irritable mood all the time
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Sleeping disorders like insomnia or oversleep
• Feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness and sadness regularly
• Feeling of excess guilt
• Low energy and tiredness
• Inability to make decisions
• Change in eating patterns
• Irritation and agitation
• Thinking problems, focus and concentration issues
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

Depression disturbs relationships and regular day-to-day activities.

There are many effective treatments for depression nowadays. So, if you are your loved ones are suffering from depression, do not ignore.

If you have symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, then you should seek medical help.

The medical expert will determine the treatment based on symptoms. Medications, psychotherapy and counselling are some treatment methods.

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Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/photos/depression-sad-sadness-woman-4782696/