Everyone can feel sad from time to time. Like other emotions such as happiness, shame or boredom, sadness can also be a fleeting feeling that may pass quickly. However, if you are hanging on to sadness for an extended period of time or ruminating longer than necessary, these feelings of unhappiness can begin to become symptoms of depression.

Recognizing the Differences Between Depression and Occasional Sadness

Sadness can be a normal, human emotion that everyone experiences once in a while. It can involve a lot of weight and can be triggered by an unwelcome and potentially intense real life event. Feeling sad or “blue” may persist for several days, though it is a state that is bound to end as sadness generally does not remain constant when it is simply occasional sadness.

By contrast, depression is notorious for its staying power and ability to interfere with activities of daily living. Depression is characterized by the presence of extreme sadness or despair that continues for at least two weeks or longer. It is accompanied by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, hurt and guilt. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression may find yourself becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and/or suffering from poor concentration and loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy.

Symptoms of depression far exceed occasional sadness in frequency and intensity. It can be extremely important to have an understanding of the differences in order to become more aware of your experience. While sadness may pass, depression does not generally resolve itself without professional intervention.

Maybe you’re not Just Sad

Experiencing a significant transition or major life event such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job is something that would likely result in feelings of sadness. It can be understandable to feel sad and to entertain negative thoughts about certain circumstances which you have little or no control over.

If you find yourself feeling constantly angry, restless, and/or withdrawing from family and friends, you may be experiencing more than just occasional sadness. You may find that your somber mood can’t be budged by even the funniest comedian, and your constant chronic pain is far more serious than just being sad. In reality, you may not just be sad, you may be experiencing depression.

Confronting Depression with Courage

Considering depression as merely being “sad” can minimizes the severity of an illness that affects millions of people. Getting help is not a sign of weakness, in fact seeking treatment can be an indication of your courage to fight back. Thankfully, depression is highly treatable, especially when you opt to seek competent and quality care from a professional.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC can help. Licensed, independently contracted counselors in Fuquay-Varina are well-trained and well-experienced in diagnosing and providing treatment catered to your own unique needs. Making a call to CCS to request an appointment may put an end to your symptoms of depression and allow you to begin living life the way you deserve to be living.

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