Lake Grove Behavioral Health

Many of us struggle to distinguish the difference between sadness and depression. This confusion can lead to a series of problems such the invalidation of a serious illness, and multiple false self-diagnoses.  As a result, it is important for society to understand the distinction between depression and sadness.

Sadness is a normal human reaction to an event that has happened in someone’s life. It is an emotion that all humans experience and deal with. Sadness can be a fleeting emotion.  In other words, one can cease feeling sad after something has undone what made them sad initially. For example, a low-test score may cause a student to feel downcast, but the student may no longer feel disheartened.  after learning that the grade entry was a mistake or that they received a higher grade.  You may no longer feel sad when you overcome emotional pain or difficulty, or when change takes place in your life that allows you to regain your sense of joy. Many people can overcome sadness in a short span of time. Sadness does not affect our ability to function and live our lives, tasks that require little effort such as getting out of bed, maintain their difficulty level and do not seem impossible.

Depression is a mental illness that not only affects our thoughts, but it also keeps us from being able to function properly. Depression alters our behavior drastically and causes those who suffer from it to feel like a shadow of their former selves.  Depression can be caused by an event or happening, but this isn’t always the case. Depression can occur without reason or justification. In other words, our lives can seem flawless, and we may not have a reason to be depressed, but depression can still affect anyone, even those who have a life that is exempt of anything that can cause depression.

Depression results in an increase of apathy. It depletes motivation and sense of self-worth. It can lessen our will to complete tasks that may seem simple, and the ability to experience joy, excitement and fulfillment are lessened immensely. It can numb your emotions and leads to hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness. Relationships are strained by depression because of the inability to feel connection with your loved one or the lack of want to preserve the relationship.  Simple tasks such as getting out of bed, taking showers, brushing your teeth, washing your hair and even and putting on clothes become daunting tasks. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and self-harm. The value that many of us believe life holds is no longer a thought shared by those who are depressed, instead life loses its value.  Depression can last for years and is an illness that can affect an individual for their whole life if not treated, it also requires medication to alleviate the pain caused by depression. Physical signs of depression include sleeping too much or seeing too little, drastic and/ or sudden changes in weight and feeling tired, slow or having low energy frequently.

If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from depression, please seek the aid of a mental health professional or a therapist. Depression is very treatable and there are many ways for you or your loved one to get help.

Getting help merely reinforces how important you are.