What Is the Difference Between Sadness & Depression?

Everybody feels sadness during difficult times. Even though sadness is a normal emotion, it can escalate and turn into clinical depression. Depression is a serious condition that requires treatment. It is necessary to differentiate between sadness and depression.

Duration

• The duration of the emotion is a good deciding factor on whether someone is experiencing sadness or depression. According to Gannet Health Services at Cornell University, people may experience sadness for a few days up to a few weeks (See References 1). According to Dr. Harold Koenig and psychologist Charles E. Martin Ph.d, if the sadness lasts for more than two weeks it is most likely depression (See References 2 and 3).

Daily Functioning

• Depression interferes with daily functioning whereas sadness does not. For example, Martin of Gannet Health Services states that a person can distract herself from sadness by participating in activities such as going shopping with friends, but depression would require further solutions, including medical intervention.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of clinical depression include loss of interest and lack of pleasure in daily activities, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, weight problems, lack of motivation, feeling guilty, inability to concentrate, and thoughts of suicide (See References 1 and 2).

Treatment

• Treatment for depression can range from talking about your problems through counseling to taking antidepressant medication or a combination of both (See References 1 and 2).

Warning

• "Clinical depression is a serious disorder which needs to be evaluated by a professional and usually requires some form of treatment," Martin said (See References 3).