Do You Have Depression, Or is it Normal Sadness? How to Tell the Difference

Monday, July 28, 2008

You probably know someone who is depressed. You may be wondering about yourself. The way you feel right now--does it fit the definition of depression? Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects millions, so you are right to be concerned. Understanding depression is a good first step toward treatment. Let's see if we can figure this out together.


First of all, having days when you feel down, or sad, is normal. We all have days when we feel blue, or down. It is just part of life. If those sad, blue feelings become your most predominant feelings however, like a dark persistent cloud, your emotions may not be just a "mood" but depression.


Depression is not a mood that can be alleviated by will power. Depression is a mental disorder that can change how you think. It changes your outlook on life and the future. It affects your beliefs and how, and if, you want to interact with others.

Normal feelings of sadness and that feeling of feeling "blue" and the feelings of depression are very similar. How to tell the difference? Basically it is about time and intensity. The emotions associated with depression will not only be more intense, they are also longer lasting. With depression there is often difficulty to function on a day to day basis.


Two weeks is typically the threshold for diagnosing depression. If after a negative life experience you are still withdrawn and sad after more than two weeks it is possible you have entered into a depressive episode. Without treatment a depressive episode can last for months, sometimes years.


How is depression treated? The good news is that depression is very treatable. Combining therapy with medication is usually quite effective. Investigating some of the newer "Energy Therapies" such as Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapas Acupressure Technique can bring some impressive results and can be done in conjunction with traditional methods.


No one is immune to the effects of depression. It is not an indication of weakness or failure. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, it's important to get professional advice as soon as possible.


Can it be? Does Candida Cause Depression? And additional articles by Harold Ulvaeus about depression such as Trends In Teen Depression can be found on our website.


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