AM I JUST SAD, OR REALLY DEPRESSED?

 

During any one-year period, an estimated 17 million adult Americans suffer from depression.  It’s not surprising, therefore, that those who come into my office often ask, “Am I just sad, or really depressed?”  It’s a good question.  The symptoms of sadness related to a loss and the symptoms of depression do overlap. Yet, while grief usually resolves naturally, the negative impact of untreated depression can be devastating.     

It’s natural to feel sad or “blue” at times.  Life’s normal and necessary losses are accompanied with sadness and grief.  Sadness is to be expected with a lost loved one, job, ability (physical or mental), dream, or with normal transitions like relocating or changing jobs or churches.  The sadness of grief naturally lessens over time.

            Depression can resemble sadness, but is distinguished from sadness by the duration, the number and range of symptoms experienced, the intensity of the symptoms and the impact on one’s daily life.  By definition, depression causes distress or impairment in one’s ability to work and to relate socially.  Many depressed individuals carry on with their jobs and relationships, but their level of functioning drops significantly.

Depression must be present for a two-week period and include five or more of the following: depressed mood most of the day; loss of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all activities most of the day; weight loss or gain; sleeping too much or too little; an abnormally low or high activity level; fatigue nearly every day; feelings of worthlessness; inability to think or make decisions; and recurrent thoughts of death (in general) or thoughts of hurting oneself with or without a plan to do so.

These symptoms can take different forms.  Depressed individuals tend to feel profoundly helpless and hopeless.  They withdraw from friends and activities.  They blame themselves for past and present problems and even obsess on mistakes.  Sometimes irritability or an inability to control one’s temper is a sign of depression.  Increased alcohol consumption can be another red flag, particularly in men.

Do not attempt to self-diagnose depression.  If you think that you or someone you love may be depressed, call a psychologist or psychiatrist and make an appointment.  Depression does not just go away.  Countless individuals struggle with the symptoms of depression needlessly for years.  Depression is highly treatable when one receives competent care. 

Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression.  Psychologists can help in the following ways: pinpoint the life problems that contribute to depression and help a person understand which aspects of the problem can be improved; identify the thoughts and behaviors that fuel depression; and help people regain a sense of control  and pleasure in life.  A thorough assessment by a skilled professional can begin the healing process. 

 

By Bill Edwards, PhD