The difference between sadness and depression

Feeling sad on occasion is a normal human emotion. But if emptiness and despair won’t go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it difficult to function and enjoy life.  Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.

Sadness in mood, setbacks, and disappointments are all normal reactions to life’s struggles, but depression is much more than sadness.

Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. On the other hand, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all. Instead, they may feel lifeless, empty and apathetic; men in particular may feel angry, aggressive and restless.

Depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little or no relief.

You may be suffering from clinical depression if you experience several of these symptoms that will not go away.

-You can’t sleep or you sleep too much

-You can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now too difficult

-You feel hopeless and helpless

-You can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try

-You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating

-You are much more irritable, short tempered, or aggressive than usual

-You are consuming more alcohol than normal, or engaging in other reckless behavior

-You have thoughts that life is not worth living (seek help immediately if this is the case).

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they last – the more likely you are dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.

Signs and symptoms of Depression

  Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A feeling that nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.

· Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You lost your ability to feel enjoy and pleasure.

·Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain. In most cases, a change of more than 5% body weight in a month.

· Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.

· Angry or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless or violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

· Loss of Energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

  Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

· Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or sometimes dangerous sports.

·Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

 Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Depression and suicide

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression. Take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It’s not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide, it’s a cry for help.

Warning signs of suicide

·        * Talking about killing or harming one’s self

·         *Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or feeling trapped

·        * An unusual preoccupation with death or dying

·         *Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish ( i.e. speeding through red lights).

·         *Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

·         *Getting affairs in order (giving away prized positions, tying up loose ends)

·         *Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”

·         *A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy.

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. In Vancouver call 604-872-3311 or outside Vancouver 1-800-SUICIDE  

Depression in men

Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and helplessness. Instead they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.

Depression in women

Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. Women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder

Depression in teens

Some depressed teens appear sad, while others do not. Irritability rather than depression is frequently the predominant in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily loose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people.

Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing, and in certain cases, homicidal violence and suicide. With help, teenage depression is highly treatable.

Depression in older adults

The difficult changes that older adults face include bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems – can lead to depression. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression which may cause the symptoms to be unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and increased risk of suicide. Diagnosis and treatment are very important.