Is Depression Defined As Sadness? How to Tell if You’re Depressed

This article was reviewed by Dr Renee Tan Huey Jing.

“I’m just a bit unhappy; I’ll get over it in a while.” This is a common thought for many people dealing with persistent low moods. But is depression really as simple as sadness? The answer is no. Depression is a complex illness that goes far beyond a low mood; it’s a collection of mental and physical symptoms.

What’s the Difference Between Depression and Ordinary Sadness?

To tell if you might have depression, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between it and ordinary sadness:

• Duration: Ordinary sadness is usually short-lived. It might be triggered by a specific event and will ease over time. Depression, on the other hand, involves a persistent low mood that typically lasts for two weeks or more and doesn’t get better on its own.
• Scope of Impact: Sadness might only affect your mood for a short period of time, but depression impacts your entire life. It can affect your work, studies, social life, and hobbies, making you feel as if you’ve lost all interest and motivation for everything.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Sadness is mainly an emotional state. Depression is accompanied by a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which is what makes it such a complex illness.

How to Tell if You’re Depressed: Check for These Nine Core Symptoms

According to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis of depression requires meeting at least five of the following nine core symptoms, with the symptoms lasting for at least two weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest.

Please honestly consider the following symptoms and whether they have been a persistent part of your life:

1. Depressed Mood: Feeling down, sad, or empty for most of the day.
2. Loss of Interest: A marked decrease in interest or pleasure in almost all activities.
3. Weight or Appetite Changes: A significant change in weight (without dieting) or appetite.
4. Sleep Problems: Insomnia or sleeping excessively.
5. Psychomotor Changes: Noticeable slowing down or agitation in your movements or speech.
6. Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling consistently tired and lacking energy.
7. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Feeling useless or experiencing excessive and inappropriate self-blame.
8. Poor Concentration: A reduced ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions.
9. Suicidal Thoughts: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

If you find that you match several of the symptoms listed above, and these have significantly affected your normal life, it’s very likely that you are struggling with depression.

What Should I Do? From Self-Assessment to Seeking Professional Help

• Step One: Self-Assessment A preliminary self-assessment can help you understand your situation more objectively. There are many professional depression questionnaires online (like the PHQ-9) that you can try. Please remember that these are for reference only and cannot be used for a final diagnosis.
• Step Two: Seek Professional Help The ultimate goal of self-assessment is to take action. If you suspect you have depression, the wisest decision is to seek professional help. Please book an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist immediately. They can provide a proper assessment and diagnosis, and offer the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Please remember, depression is not your fault, nor is it a sign of weakness. It’s a treatable illness, and seeking help is the first, and most courageous, step towards recovery.

Sources

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) , Depression (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/)

The information provided in the articles is intended solely for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional if you are feeling unwell or have any medical concerns.

This article was reviewed by Dr Renee Tan Huey Jing.

Dr Renee Tan Huey Jing is a highly experienced psychiatrist in Malaysia, specialising in mental health and psychiatric disorders. She has extensive expertise in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, childhood trauma, and anxiety disorders.

Dr Tan pursued her medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) from 2002 to 2006, earning an MB BCh BAO qualification. Her passion for psychiatry led her to further her studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in Psychological Medicine from the University of Malaya in 2015.