What is the difference between sadness and depression? 

Depression is a common mental illness that affects 1 in 10 adults in the united states. However, many people can't differentiate depression from sadness. Many people may believe they are experiencing feelings of sadness rather than depression. Unlike depression, sadness is a normal and natural feeling in life. Depression is a mental illness that may require treatment to alleviate it. 

Below are some differences between sadness and depression. 

Sadness: 

• Sadness is a normal emotion for loss, disappointment, problems, or other difficult situations
• Feeling sad from time to time is a normal feeling
• Sadness goes away quickly
• Sadness is brief and may fade quickly
• Even during sad periods, there may be moments when you feel better
• Sadness is sally a reaction to something such as a loss or a disappointing event 

Depression 

• Depression often occurs without any apparent reason 
• Depression is a mental health problem that doesn't always go away
• Not only can depression make you feel sad but it can make you feel worthless
• Depression may cause physical symptoms such as: 
• Body aches 
• Tiredness
• Sleep disturbances
• Appetite changes
• Depressive symptoms may last for at least two weeks
• Depression lasts longer than feelings of sadness and it may affect your daily life 
• Depression is diagnosed 

It is essential to keep in mind that everyone's experience is different. It can come in mild and short episodes or it can be life-altering. 

If you believe you have depression and would like to make an appointment, call A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry, at 847-268-3908 or make an appointment online today, for expert, multidisciplinary treatment for depression.