{"id":3600,"date":"2020-12-17T14:02:33","date_gmt":"2020-12-17T22:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.myshapa.com\/?p=3600"},"modified":"2022-08-19T10:08:11","modified_gmt":"2022-08-19T10:08:11","slug":"am-i-really-just-sad-or-depressed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/home.myshapa.com\/am-i-really-just-sad-or-depressed\/","title":{"rendered":"Am I Really Just Sad or Depressed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Has anyone opened to you about being depressed? Have you opened up to anyone about being depressed? If so, take a pause and think of the response you received or gave in that situation. Were you trying to be supportive and said something like, \u201cI feel sad sometimes too\u201d, or \u201cdon\u2019t worry, this too shall pass\u201d. Although the effort you have taken from your side in providing an empathetic response is appreciated, a response like this may mean that we need more clarity in the difference between sadness and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hear you, these are heavy times we never saw coming. As the pandemic continues, there are hardships along the way. CDC survey reports that at least 40% of Americans are struggling with mental health. This may mean that many of us and our loved ones, friends, etc are feeling a bit low. But are we really just sad or depressed? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s break down the difference, so we can take care of ourselves and our loved ones, and be of help during these uncertain times. So the next time you give an empathetic response or express your feeling, you can understand when it\u2019s time to speak to a therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is addressing the difference crucial?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The confusion can lead to neglect of a serious condition that may require treatment (depression) or, we may continue to overreact to a normal emotional state, that we all experience (sadness). It is also important to seek help when needed to reduce the future implications on our mental and physical health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the surface, the terms may seem quite similar and we might have interchangeably used the terms. However, there are many important differences between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is sadness?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sadness is defined as an emotional state characterized by feelings of unhappiness and low mood. It is one of the basic human emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadness is a normal response to situations that are upsetting, painful, or disappointing. Sometimes these feelings can feel more intense, while in other cases they might be fairly mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can you do? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Feeling sad is normal, acknowledge and embrace the emotion. Here are 5 simple ways to lighten your mood when you are feeling \u201csad\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Acknowledge the emotion <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Welcome the emotion of sadness and acknowledge its presence. This process of recognition and acceptance can provide clarity to work with the emotion. Remind yourself that experiencing emotions is normal. Cry and express the emotion. Allow yourself to feel sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Write about the feelings <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Writing down the event and your feelings help understand why you’re sad, so you can take steps to make you feel better. Or write one thing you are grateful for, things of the positive can distract you from the negative thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Reach out <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is important to reach out and vent your feelings. Call that person whom you feel comfortable talking to.  The process of sharing can make a huge difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Talk a walk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A mindful walk and breathing the fresh air can help appreciate the nature around you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Shower yourself with self-compassion and kindness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Research suggests that training compassionate responses<\/a> can increase the resiliency to aversive events. It is important to practice self-compassion, so we can spread it to others around. This can help you to stay kind to yourself and others during difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is depression?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to APA<\/a>, depression is more than just sadness. It is a mood disorder. People with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you know if you are depressed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on the DSM-V criteria<\/a>, If you’ve been experiencing five or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks with one of the symptoms being either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure, <\/em><\/strong>then it is possible to have depression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Fortunately, depression is treatable. A combination of therapy and antidepressant medication can help ensure recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n