Being sad is not the same as being depressed. Sadness is a healthy, passing emotion; depression is a problem that settles in and switches everything off. Learn to tell them apart so you know when to ask for help.
The difference in one sentence
Sadness has a cause, it comes and goes, and it doesn't stop you from functioning. Depression lasts for most of the day over weeks, switches off your ability to enjoy things and affects your sleep, energy and will to live.
Sadness is healthy
Sadness is a normal and necessary emotion. It shows up in the face of a loss, a disappointment or a difficult time, it serves a purpose (to pause, to process, to ask for support) and, with time, it fades. You can be sad and still enjoy good moments, laugh or feel excited about something. Sadness lives alongside life.
Depression switches everything off
Depression is not "being very sad": it's a condition that affects how you think, feel and function. Its central feature is not just sadness, but the inability to enjoy anything (anhedonia) and a general disconnection from life. Many people with depression say they feel more emptiness or apathy than sadness.
Signs of depression
- Low or empty mood for most of the day, nearly every day.
- Loss of interest and pleasure in almost everything.
- Constant tiredness and lack of energy.
- Changes in sleep and appetite (too much or too little).
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness.
- Thoughts that life isn't worth living.
When several of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect your day-to-day life, we're no longer talking about sadness.
Do you recognise these signs?
Depression is treatable and you can come out of it. Find out how I support people through depression, in person and online.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself, ask for help now. In Spain you can call 024, free and confidential 24 hours a day, or 112 in an emergency. You are not alone.
Why "just pulling yourself together" isn't enough
One of the most harmful myths is thinking that depression is overcome through willpower. Depression affects your very ability to motivate yourself and to see a way out: asking someone who is depressed to "make more of an effort" is like asking someone with a broken leg to run. It's not a lack of attitude; it's a problem that needs treatment.
When to ask for help
If the low mood lasts more than two weeks, if you've stopped enjoying what you used to like, or if hopelessness or the urge to give up appear, don't wait. Depression is treatable and you can come out of it. The sooner you work on it, the better.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it have to last to be depression?
As a guide, we talk about depression when the symptoms persist for most of the day for at least two weeks and affect your life. But you don't have to watch the clock: if something worries you, it's always valid to seek advice.
Can depression be cured without medication?
In many cases, yes. Therapy is an effective treatment for depression, especially mild and moderate depression. In more severe cases it can be combined with medication, which is assessed and prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist. Every case is different.
Is it normal to feel like this after a loss?
Yes. After a significant loss it's natural to go through a period of grief with a great deal of sadness. It becomes something to treat when it gets stuck or turns into depression. You can read more about how I support people through grief and loss.
