Just a question, but how does one figure out if they're depressed or just sad? I'm not asking to be a dick, but I'm going through a difficult time rn and I don't want to over exaggerate my problem
That's a very tough question to answer because there isn't a defined list. I would say it's the sadness as well as the lack of energy to do anything, things that are usually fun just aren't quite as much, and also a change in sleep is common. If you have genuine concerns and this seems like you, I suggest trying to talk to people about it and not worry about making a big deal of it, because you come first in your own story
Not a psychiatrist, but another difference is that things and events make you sad, while depression just happens. (Depression can also make you sad) Depression is also long-term. Oh, also, important: "just" being sad instead of being depressed isn't a weaker form of emotion that needs less care. Sadness isn't a chemical imbalance in the brain like depression is, so you don't need pills, but you still have just as much claim on the sympathy of others and the comforts of friends and things that cheer you up as a depressed person does.
As the others said it's difficult to pinpoint, especially when you are the subject as you kind of just "slip" into depression without realising it. Suddenly you have no energy, everything is dull, when you smile or laugh you can't feel anything, your mind is fog, you start having an increased amount of negative thoughts about either yourself, the future, current situation etc. Of course just because you're in a tough spot or you feel down doesn't mean you have depression, like guest said though this doesn't make it any less important and you should seek help and talk to someone. This being said, a tough situation can cause depression so keep an eye on your mindset, the thoughts you're having (maybe keep a thought journal) any form of self-awareness is fantastic and PLEASE let others know how you feel! Even if you go "hey man, I'm not feeling too good rn" that's better than nothing and then you can take more steps into full conversations and positive therapeutic thinking. Talk to us.
@garlog - someone suffering depression is sick due to an imbalance of chemicals that facilitate healthy brain function, or they are sick in that they cannot function normally due to an imbalance of emotions that cannot be processed properly.
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adjective
1.
affected by physical or mental illness.