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How can I tell the Difference between Sadness and Depression? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: How to tell the difference between sadness and depression.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: Sadness and depression can feel similar on the surface.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_00: They both involve low mood, but they are different in duration, intensity, and impact on your daily life.
• 0:20
  SPEAKER_00: For example, sadness is usually short term and may be connected to a specific life event such as bereavement, disappointment, or stress.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: There is typically clear reasons and it can ease over time with the right support.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: Sadness may still allow you to continue to work, socialize, and enjoy pleasures and have moments of joy or relief.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: Depression, on the other hand, lasts for at least two weeks and longer sometimes.
• 1:01
  SPEAKER_00: It may start without a clear trigger, or the emotional response to an event may feel deeper and more persistent than expected.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: Depression can interfere with your daily life, making daily tasks such as getting out of bed, eating, or even showering can feel overwhelming.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: Depression can often numb your emotions, making joy, motivation and interest diminish.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: Physical and cognitive symptoms are more common in depression.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: You may notice changes in sleep, whether it be too much or too little, changes in your appetite or weight, fatigue or loss of energy, trouble concentrating or making decisions, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and even thoughts of death or suicide.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: If your low mood lasts for more than two weeks or starts to impact on your functioning, or even if you're experiencing self harm, it's important to seek professional help urgently.