The Fundamental Differences between Sadness and Depression

Sadness is an emotional reaction while Depression is an abnormal mental state

Emotions are a normal part of our lives. We all experience happiness, sadness, anger, frustration, disappointment almost every day. Sadness is a natural and healthy emotional response to any unfavourable situation. 

However, depression is a mental health condition that requires treatment and therapy. The major difference between sadness and depression is that depression occurs for no apparent reason. You tend to feel upset out of the blue and you can’t quite understand why.

Sadness is an emotion while depression is a mental illness

Sadness is a basic human emotion. Sadness is an essential part of our journey through life because without feeling sadness you may never know what happiness feels like. It may even prove helpful in difficult life experiences such as break up or rejection.

Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent sadness for no apparent reason. It may also significantly interfere with the individual’s day-to-day functioning.

A person who is depressed must experience depressive symptoms for at least two weeks. Some of the depressive symptoms may include:

• Lack of motivation
• Disruptive sleeping patterns and eating patterns
• Lack of concentration
• Feeling worthless
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies