How to Know the Difference Between Depression & Not Being Happy

Almost everyone, at some point in their lives, experiences unhappiness. But knowing when it is a common down-in-the-dumps feeling versus more serious depression is important. Not diagnosing depression can lead to further problems and complications. How can a person determine if he is simply experiencing temporary unhappiness or if something more serious, such as long-term depression, is occurring?

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• DSMIV
• Medications

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if your depression is situational. Most people experience situational depression. Some doctors refer to this type of temporary depression as an adjustment disorder. It is associated with feelings of unhappiness, sadness or despair. The difference between situational depression and long-term diagnostic depression is the fact that the unhappiness is related to a situation or stress in the person's life. Once the person has learned to cope with the situation, the depression often disappears. Sometimes this occurs without treatment, and other times treatment is specified.

• 2

  Document the duration of the depression. While the duration of a situational depression or adjustment disorder episode is not specific, there are clues to whether or not it is longer term depression. Clinicians look at three separate distinctions to determine the severity of depression: the intensity, frequency and duration of the depressive episode. Intensity is the level of depression. Frequency refers to how often the depression occurs. The length of the depression is the duration. More severe depression is associated with a higher intensity of depression, feelings of sadness occurring more frequently and a longer lasting depressive episode.

• 3

  Keep track of your symtpoms. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) is now in its 4th edition. This is akin to the Bible for mental health professionals. According to the DSMIV, the following are clues that a person may be experiencing longer term depression or chemical depression. Some of the symptoms of a major depressive episode include long-term depression, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, loss of interest in normal activities and thoughts of suicide.

  If a patient is experiencing depression and begins to have feelings that he wants to harm himself or someone else, he should seek help immediately. During the day, a local mental health center can provide treatment. During the evenings or weekends, any emergency room is capable of treating depression on an emergency basis.