Depression Versus Normal Sadness

Author: Harold Ulvaeus

You probably know someone who is depressed. You may be wondering about yourself. The way you feel right now--does it fit the definition of depression? Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects millions, so you are right to be concerned. Understanding depression is a good first step toward treatment. Let\'s see if we can figure this out together.

All of us experience blue moods once in a while. We all experience feelings of sadness. It is just a normal part of going through life. When those blue moods turn into a dark heavy persistent cloud, and when those sad and hopeless feelings become your predominant feelings, you may indeed be suffering from depression.

Depression is not a mood that can be alleviated by will power. Depression is a mental disorder that can change how you think. It changes your outlook on life and the future. It affects your beliefs and how, and if, you want to interact with others.

Normal feelings of sadness and that feeling of feeling \"blue\" and the feelings of depression are very similar. How to tell the difference? Basically it is about time and intensity. The emotions associated with depression will not only be more intense, they are also longer lasting. With depression there is often difficulty to function on a day to day basis.

Two weeks is typically the threshold for diagnosing depression. If after a negative life experience you are still withdrawn and sad after more than two weeks it is possible you have entered into a depressive episode. Without treatment a depressive episode can last for months, sometimes years.

How is depression treated? The good news is that depression is very treatable. Combining therapy with medication is usually quite effective. Investigating some of the newer \"Energy Therapies\" such as Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapas Acupressure Technique can bring some impressive results and can be done in conjunction with traditional methods.

No one is immune to the effects of depression. It is not an indication of weakness or failure. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, it\'s important to get professional advice as soon as possible.

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