Sad or Depressed – What’s the Difference?
Sadness is an unpleasant emotion in response to certain events:
Examples – loss of a loved one
– disappointment in missing a hoped- for opportunity
– struggling to adapt to unwelcome changes
These and a multitude of other circumstances can result in a process that takes us through a sequence of emotions including worry, anxiety, tears, grieving which ultimately brings us relief. This is a healthy process.
Depression is not healthy. Depression occurs when sadness is partnered with a change in how we view ourselves and others. We tend to think less of ourselves than usual. We can’t forgive ourselves the slightest mistake. We may see others as cold and uncaring. We can’t appreciated partial success, or see the silver lining in the cloud. We feel helpless and defeated. We can’t imagine facing challenges and moving forward.
In short, sadness repairs, depression impairs.