What’s the Difference Between Sadness and Depression?
We all feel sad sometimes.
Whether we’re processing the loss of a loved one, dealing with changing life circumstances, or even watching a particularly touching tv show, sadness is a part of life.
However, there can be times when your feelings of sadness don’t seem to pass. You may feel overwhelmed by sadness, or unable to picture being happy again.
While experiencing sadness is normal, it’s important to recognize when you may be dealing with something deeper.
Here at KMA, we understand that it can be easy to minimize depression as “just feeling sad.” Our dedicated team of therapists has experience with supporting clients in managing their sadness and coping with depression.
We’ve gathered the information you need to understand your feelings of sadness and learn when it may be time to seek professional help.
After reading this article, you’ll know the difference between sadness and depression, the causes of depression, and how to get support for whichever you're experiencing.
The Difference Between Sadness and Depression
The main difference between sadness and depression is that sadness passes.
Our daily lives are full of things that can make us sad. And while this can be upsetting to deal with, we often know that our feelings of sadness are temporary.
Depression is overwhelming, ongoing, and negatively impacts your quality of life.
Signs of depression include:
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Tiredness and a lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring you joy
A serious sign of depression is suicidal ideation. If you are at risk of harming yourself, please call 911 or connect with the Talk Suicide Canada helpline at 1-833-456-4566. Help is available, and you are not alone.
Ultimately, depression must be diagnosed by a mental health professional.
What Causes Depression?
There are several things that can cause you to experience depression.
Causes of depression include:
- Prolonged grief after a loss
- Brain chemistry and hormone levels
- Difficult life events, such as losing a job
- Past traumatic events, including in childhood
Finding a therapist for depression can be a great way to explore the causes of your depression and find a solution to help you feel better.
What Therapy Works for Depression?
Different types of therapies can help you manage symptoms of depression and explore the root cause of your depression.
Types of therapy for depression include:
Connecting with a therapist can help you to determine what type of therapy for depression will work best for you.
Next Steps for Coping with Sadness and Depression
After reading this article, you now have an understanding of the difference between sadness and depression, the causes of depression, and the types of therapy for depression.
Whether you think you have depression or not, you deserve support for the sadness you’re experiencing.
Here at KMA, our experienced team of therapists is ready to support you in finding the best type of treatment for you, and help you to start feeling better.
Our introductory appointment will help you to understand when your depression started, what could be causing it, and match you with a customized therapist and treatment plan to support you.
Register online or connect with our team to get started.
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, read these resources for more information:
- If you think you may have experienced trauma, read: How Do I Know if I Have Trauma?
- To learn more about the benefits of therapy, read: Will Psychotherapy Help Me?
- If you’re experiencing grief, read: How to Cope with Grief and Loss
