By: Pilar Tamburrino, M.S., LMHC, CEAP
FSAP, Assistant Director
Sadness and depression are two distinct emotional states. Sadness is a natural human emotion that is typically triggered by a specific event, such as the loss of a loved one or a disappointment. It is usually a temporary feeling that can be resolved with time and support.
On the other hand, clinical depression is a longer-term mental health condition where a person often feels depressed mood most days, impairing social, occupational, and other important areas of normal functioning.
From time to time, everyone experiences sadness. People who are sad may find relief in crying, talking about their problems, or perhaps cheering themselves up using humor.
When feeling sadness, it may feel all-encompassing at times, but there should be moments when people can feel comforted or able to experience happiness in most other aspects of their lives.
Those with depression, however, find that their depressed feelings will affect all aspects of their lives and may find it hard or even impossible to find enjoyment in anything, including activities they used to enjoy.
Those with clinical depression may not just experience sadness; they can also have intense feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and feeling worthless. They may describe an ‘empty’ feeling inside and believe life is not worth living.
The inability to differentiate between sadness and depression can lead us to neglect a severe psychological condition (depression) and overreact to a normal emotional state (sadness). If we overuse the term depression when we are describing our emotional state of sadness, we are simplifying a major mental health disorder.
Clinical depression is a common worldwide illness, with an estimated 3.8% of the population being affected (World Health Organization).
Depression can present differently to everyone. For some, their depressive episodes can result in suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, or suicidal attempts. Others may not present with these signs but still find day-to-day life difficult due to their depression symptoms.
Depression can take form in many different mood types depending on the cause and the symptoms being experienced:
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal Affective disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Substance-induced mood disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder also called dysthymia
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
- Postnatal/perinatal depression
While sadness can be a difficult emotion to experience, it can also serve a useful purpose in our lives. Sadness can be helpful in several ways:
- Facilitating processing and healing: Sadness can help us process and work through difficult emotions and experiences, allowing us to heal and move forward.
- Fostering empathy and connection: Sadness can also help us connect with others and build empathy by allowing us to understand and relate to their experiences.
- Motivating change: Sadness can motivate us to make changes in our lives or take action to address the source of our sadness.
- Identifying values: Sadness can help teach someone about their values by highlighting what is important to them and what they may need to protect or prioritize in their life.
Overall, while sadness can be uncomfortable, it can also serve a purpose and be a valuable emotion in our emotional lives. Please contact the FSAP at 305-284-6604 for further information or to schedule an appointment.
Source: psychologytoday.com
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