The difference between depression and sadness

Depression vs. sadness

Defining sadness and depression is important for improving well-being.

Sadness

Sadness is a normal human emotion that every personTrusted Source will experience at some point.

Many different life events can leave people feeling sad or unhappy, such as:

• grieving a loved one
• the loss of job or income
• divorce
• financial trouble
• issues at home
• failing an exam
• not getting a job
• experiencing other disappointing events

However, a person experiencing sadness can usually find some relief from crying or discussing their frustrations with others. More often than not, sadness has links to a specific trigger.

Sadness usually passes with time. If it does not pass, or if the person becomes unable to resume normal function, this could be a sign of depression.

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that has an overpowering effect on many parts of a person’s life. It can occur in people of any gender or age and alters behaviors and attitudes.

In 2021, around 21 million peopleTrusted Source ages 18 years or above in the United States had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year, accounting for 8.3% of all adults in the country.

Symptoms includeTrusted Source:

• sadness
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness
• feelings of irritability and frustration
• difficulty sleeping and concentrating
• changes in appetite and weight
• a lack of energy
• a loss of interest in hobbies

In severe cases, the person may think about or attempt suicide. They may isolate themselves from family or friends and feel unable to attend work or school.

If these feelings of doubt last longer than 2 weeksTrusted Source, a healthcare professional may diagnose the person with major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a type of depression that can be more severe and persistent than some other types.

For a diagnosis of MDD, the doctor should link the symptoms only to depression and not to another medical diagnosis, such as substance use disorder or another underlying condition.

Unlike sadness, depression can leave a person struggling to get through their day. Sadness is just one element of depression.

Treatment for depression

If a person has symptoms of depression for longer than 2 weeksTrusted Source, it is advisable to seek professional help.

A physician can help determine the level of treatment necessary to manage symptoms.

Following diagnosis, possible treatments include medication, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Medications

Medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant.

These function by increasingTrusted Source levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps improve mood.

Examples of SSRIs include:

• citalopram
• escitalopram
• fluoxetine
• sertraline

These drugs can ease the symptoms of depression, although they do carry a risk of adverse side effects.

For example, when people first use antidepressants, these drugs present a risk of symptoms deteriorating before they improve. Family members of the person taking the medication should monitor them closely and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concern that some SSRIs can cause increased suicidal ideation in younger people. They may also pose some risk to the fetus if taken during pregnancy.

As a result, the drugs carry a black box warning, which is an important notice on the patient package insert outlining the possible dangers of the drugs.

When prescribing SSRIs, prescribers must carefully balance the benefits and drawbacks of use.

Psychotherapy and counseling

Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained professional.

A person can pursue psychotherapy on its own or with the support of antidepressant medications. A therapist can helpTrusted Source identify problem areas, teach coping mechanisms, and educate an individual about the realities of the condition.

Some examples of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.

A medical team might admit a person with severe depression to a hospital if they are in immediate danger of harming themselves, either because of the risk of suicide or lack of ability to care for themselves.

Outpatient facilities and psychotherapy clinics can help with long-term care.

Frequently asked questions

Is depression just another word for sadness?

No, depression is not the same as sadness. Sadness is a common emotion and is usually temporary.

Depression, meanwhile, is a common mental illness that involves a person feeling persistently sad for more than 2 weeksTrusted Source. It generally interferes with a person’s normal, everyday functioning.

Can a person be depressed but not sad?

Generally speaking, a person with depression will feel sad.

However, not everyone experiences depression in the same way. Some peopleTrusted Source report feeling numb, empty, and lacking interest in things they once enjoyed, rather than overwhelming sadness.

Summary

Depression and sadness are linked but are not the same.

Sadness is an emotion that everyone experiences, often after stressful or upsetting life events. Depression is an ongoing mental health disorder that can drastically affect daily life.

Specific triggers will often cause sadness, whereas depression may have no identifiable cause. Sadness is a part of depression but is more temporary in nature.

A person should seek a medical opinion if sadness continues for a disproportionate amount of time. This could indicate the development of depression.

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