Know the Difference Sadness and Depression, and Handling

The difference between sadness and depression can be recognized by the severity of the symptoms that appear and how long the symptoms are felt. In addition, the difference between sadness and depression also exists on its impact on a person's quality of life. Some people think depression and sadness are the same thing. In fact, there are a number of very basic differences between sadness and depression. Feelings of sadness appear as a normal reaction when someone experiences excessive stress, for example when a relative or family dies, has just been divorced, or has just been laid off from his job. After the hard time is over, usually the feeling of sadness will disappear by itself. In contrast to sadness, depression lasts for a long time. This condition is a serious mental disorder that can threaten psychological and physical health. If depression is not treated, it is very unlikely to heal on its own.

Sad Differences and Depression from Various Aspects

The following are a number of differences between sadness and depression that you need to know about:

1. Different trigger factors

The difference between sadness and depression also lies in the presence or absence of triggers. Sadness is usually triggered by life difficulties, hurt feelings, or unpleasant events, such as the death of a close person or divorce. In other words, we tend to feel sad because there is a clear event or trigger factor. While depression does not always appear when difficult events or situations occur. Depression often occurs without any clear trigger factors. People who are depressed tend to feel sad or empty all the time, even though there are no specific events that happen to them.

2. Impact on quality of life

Feelings of sadness are usually temporary and will disappear over time when difficult events pass or just do something fun. While depression can affect one's thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and behavior on a permanent basis. In contrast to sadness, depression cannot go away on its own and requires medical treatment to overcome the symptoms. People who are depressed will feel less energized, unmotivated, and empty. These feelings can be felt heavy enough to interfere with daily activities, social relations, and productivity.

3. Symptoms of depression are more severe than just feeling sad

When sad, someone tends to overflow by crying or being alone for a while until the feeling of sadness disappears. In contrast to ordinary feelings of sadness, symptoms of depression can be felt continuously and prolonged. Not only feeling sad, depression also has other accompanying symptoms, such as:

• Feeling sad, anxious and empty all the time.
• Feeling worthless and burdened with deep guilt or regret.
• Loss of interest in everything, including activities or hobbies that were previously of interest.
• Easily angry and offended.
• Do not want to leave the house or take care of yourself.
• Insomnia or just sleeping too much.
• Decreased appetite or vice versa, appetite continues to increase.
• Significant weight changes.
• Always feeling tired and lost energy.
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, and making decisions.
• There is no or reduced sexual desire.
• The idea arises to hurt yourself or attempted suicide.

Someone can be called suffering from depression if they have some of the above symptoms and these symptoms persist for up to 2 weeks or more. Don't even think about surviving, let alone waiting for the symptoms to pass. Immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment if you or your acquaintance show symptoms of depression.

4. Handling depression and sadness is different

When life feels difficult and feelings of sadness hit, there are several ways you can do to help alleviate these feelings. Ways to overcome everyone's sadness are different, including:

• Pamper yourself by doing beauty treatments at a beauty salon or spa, eating delicious foods you like, watching movies or comedy series, to going on vacation or traveling for a few days.
• Routine exercise and adequate rest.
• Do meditation or take a warm bath before going to sleep, if feeling sad causes sleeplessness.
• Confide in or spend time with family and friends, or play with pets.

The methods above can also help someone who is depressed feel better. But generally, depression will not subside without treatment. Depressed people need special treatment from a psychiatrist, in the form of counseling, psychotherapy, and administration of antidepressant drugs. Depression and sadness are indeed two interrelated things, but the two are still not the same. Sadness is part of depression, but this feeling of sadness is generally temporary. While depression is a disease that will not improve if not treated.