Am I Depressed?

All of us feel sad and upset at times. When that sadness seems to last longer than usual, or feels more extreme, you might ask yourself, “Am I Depressed?”

The question doesn’t always have a clear-cut answer, especially because the symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. But it’s a question worth considering, especially if your emotional state is making it difficult for you to function in your day-to-day life.

How Does Depression Differ From Sadness?

There are many life events that may trigger feelings of melancholy, hopelessness, or detachment. Examples include the death of a loved one, tragic global events, job loss, or the end of an intimate relationship. In those situations, it’s natural to grieve and even to do so intensely. You may feel what you’d describe as dark or depressed thoughts, and wonder if you are experiencing depression.

However, as the American Psychological Association (APA) explains, sadness caused by painful life events differs from depression in a few key aspects:

·        When you are grieving, you will usually feel a mix of sad thoughts and also happy thoughts, as you recall memories of what you have lost. The grief can be powerful, but not a constant state.

·        While grieving, you can still maintain your sense of self assurance and general confidence. Clinically depressed individuals usually experience chronically low self-esteem. Usually having a  therapist is the best route to go to help you figure out if you are grieving, depression or just unhappy as there is a difference