Are You Depressed Or Unhappy?  What Is The Difference?

Do you know the difference between being depressed or simply sad? I actually think most individuals understand the distinction.

It is normal for someone to feel sad every now and then.  Every person somewhere, at one point in their lives will experience sadness.  Sadness is a natural reaction to something hurtful which has happened.  Depression is more severe.  It is a clinical illness which has many more symptoms than sadness and could, if not treated, lead to suicide. 

The difference between sadness and depression is a person experiencing feelings which they find upsetting can reasonably tell you what it is that is causing this unhappiness, whereas a person suffering from depression may not be able to do so.  People suffering from sadness know their feelings will start to heal over a period of time.  A person suffering from depression will typically get worse and does not see an end to the devastating situation. 

How long does depression last?  Depression can last for weeks, months or years.  It is not something that an individual could simply 'snap out of,' much as they wish they could.  This is just not possible.  The feelings are intense and overwhelming and believe me; no-one needs to contemplate taking their own life. 

If a person has a loss of interest in life in their daily activities, job, relationship or socializing for a period of approximately more than about two to three weeks and their mood is out of character, then a visit to the doctor may be the right thing to do at this point. 

Some of the main signs of depression are: 

1.  Tiredness / lethargy or inability to sleep (insomnia)  

2.  Loss of interest in social activities and sexual relations

3.  Contemplating death and / or suicide  

4.  Significant weight changes  

5.  Lack of self worth and inappropriate guilt  

6.  Lack of focus 

If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to visit your doctor.  There are a range of screening tests available to help determine your diagnostic and cause. 

So look after yourself.  You are the most special person there is on earth.  There is no one else even remotely like you that has your talents, skills or talents.  You are unique and can't be replaced and you have essential things to do with your life.  The only person you can control is yourself, so take care of yourself first and foremost.  Everybody and everything else is out of your reach.  Start doing the things now that make you feel good.  You know what they are.  We're all counting on it!