Is it Sadness or Depression?
It is culturally normal to say, “I’m feeling depressed,” which is concerning…but is not far off from the truth. Since COVID-19 in 2020, depression rates have sky-rocked to a new high for adults, children and teens. Initially, the thought was that it was due to being isolated with months on end of quarantining, but since we have all been out in the world once more, the rates have not gone down. According to some neurologists, there is a direct link between COVID-19 and increased depression rates due to its effects on the brain.
So, what is the difference between general sadness and being clinically depressed? Great question!
Is it Sadness?
Sadness is an emotion that we all feel from time to time that often arises by a situation or interaction or even disappointment. It will come on strong in moments, but it does not linger for weeks and months. It may feel heavy for a moment, and you may cry or try to hide your sadness by distracting yourself or lashing out in anger instead because it feels stronger and more in control. Overall, though, sadness does not stay. Sadness also does not come with negative thoughts that are bullying and shaming. Sadness is often an emotion simply designed for us to recognize it is time to release something while also emphasizing that something/someone matters deeply to us. It can spur us forward into connection once more, sometimes with ourselves and other times with the people around us that we love and value.
Is it Depression?
Depression, on the other hand is like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, the cloud lingers on and on and on, no matter what the weather looks like outside or how the interactions and encouragement of others go—it is just ever-present. You might be depressed if you find yourself constantly stuck in a negative thought pattern loop (often blaming yourself for everything and over apologizing) or if you are always making assumptions that are the worst-case scenarios (often depression and anxiety hug).
Depression is something experienced not only in thoughts but in the body. Maybe it feels like your daily activities take three times as much energy and time to complete or like you no longer have the energy to even begin to take care of yourself like you used to. You might stop exercising and showering regularly. Sleeping might become difficult, even though you are constantly feeling exhausted. You might find yourself with a lack of motivation to complete work tasks or go to social events. As depression worsens, you might even find yourself wishing you were no longer alive or preparing how to end your own life.
Depression can feel like a dark hole that you cannot find your way out of and often, suicidal ideation eventually shows its ugly head.
Why do people want to die? Often because they are unsure how to keep living, and in the midst of the negative thoughts and overwhelm, they have difficulty moving to problem solve through it to the place where there is hope.
Has this been you? Or maybe its someone you love that is going through severe depression? There is good news—there is hope and there is healing available.
There is a way out that does not end in death.
But honestly, you may need to have someone walk with you in the dark for awhile, someone who can navigate towards the light. Everything in depression wants you to believe that you are not worthy, that you are a burden, that the hope part is a hoax.
But here is the truth—depression lies.
Therapy for Depression
Part of the sacred work done in therapy sessions is designed to help you begin to identify where the lies are covering up the good stuff of life while learning healthy ways to cope when the emotions feel too overwhelming to manage.
Part of therapy is also working to develop new neural pathways in the brain that are life-giving instead of harmful. Overall, just as depression can impact your whole person—mind, body and soul, the best type of therapeutic treatment also addresses the whole person.
There are evidence-based strategies for addressing the mind, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). There are also effective strategies for addressing whatever ongoing emotional distress you are storing in your body through mindfulness and somatic (mind-body) techniques. Lastly, the soul is addressed through helping you to reconnect with your sense of self, your purpose and the areas of life that you delight in.
The Take-Away
In the storm of depression, it is hard to know what to do next and that is where the inaction often happens and you (or the person you love) start feeling stuck. If you take away one thing from this post today, let it be this—depression and death is not the end of your story…or at least, it doesn’t have to be.
There are genuine people in the world who are ready to support you, walk with you through the healing journey and celebrate all the successes you have along the way. Some of these people are called therapists. Some are called friends, mentors and family members. You are worthy of healing. Your life really does matter. Don’t give up.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Mental Health Crisis Textline: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Please note: If you believe you may be experiencing depression, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible. Most people see the best results of overcoming depressive symptoms when they are working with both a therapist and an ongoing psychiatrist who is addressing the very real neurological components of depression as well. There can be positive results, in some cases, with only therapeutic intervention; however, the length of time and energy investment to see these results is longer and more demanding without support of medication. Lastly, this post is not intended to take the place of therapy but is designed only to provide general information.
