It’s okay to be sad.  We all get sad from time to time, but sometimes that sadness is something deeper and more profound.  We often use the term “depressed” when we mean that we’re really sad, but depression is a real illness that can have major effects on our lives.  It is is more than sadness, so understanding the difference can help us know when we (or someone we know) may need more help than just some cheering up.

Sadness is Normal
Sadness is an emotion, which in itself makes it different from depression.  When you are sad, you feel something.  We tend to mix and match the words “sadness” and “depression.”  It’s just part of how people speak today, but sadness is pain.  It hurts.  It can be sharp and deep.  Yet the key to knowing you’re sad is that you care about it.  Sadness is usually related to a circumstance, where depression is just a state of being.  Sadness is temporary, and often we come out of it after a short period of time.

Depression is More than Sadness
I’ve heard depression referred to as the cousin to sadness, and that might be somewhat true.  It is related to sadness, but it is something more.  Gloria Steinem described the difference this way, “In depression you care about nothing.  In sadness you care about everything.”  Depression is defined by hopelessness and despair.  It is an emptiness.  People suffering from depression go from a feeling of sadness to feeling nothing.  They lack motivation or care.

  It dulls emotions.  Think of it like walking around wearing emotional earmuffs.  Things that once were exciting and fun aren’t anymore.  Anxiety, irritability, hurt, and restlessness can settle in.  When depression takes hold, it can lead to suicidal thoughts, insomnia, loss of energy, a separation from God, and loss of appetite.  People who suffer from depression often live in a bit of a fog, so making good decisions or remembering things becomes difficult.

What to Do If You Think You’re Depressed
If you feel like you’re more depressed than sad, it may be time to get help.  There are several things you can do when you think you may be depressed, the most important is to ask for help.

• Ask Questions: Not sure if you’re sad or depressed?  Find someone to ask. Depression requires more than just general cheering up.  Asking questions of those who work with depression can help us clarify.  It’s better to be safe and ask.
• Use Some Depression Battling Tools: You can try some different things to battle depression like exercise, eating right, and journaling, but it is important to also get some professional help.  There is no weakness in it.  
• Find a Therapist:  Therapists will help work through any issues you may have. They help address the depression and triggers.  Therapists help us work through the way we think about the world, and even when you’re just sad, they can help it from becoming more.  
• Look to God:  As a Christian, we also have God to rely on, which can be difficult when depressed. Yet a Christian therapist can help us work on that relationship.  Sometimes we find we can talk to God about things more openly in prayer or meditation, since He sees everything.
• Don’t Be Afraid of Medicine:  There are also medicines that can help us balance out our moods so that the depression has a harder time taking hold.  Some people suffering from depression try to self medicate with drugs and alcohol, but medicines prescribed by a doctor are a much better, and safer, tool.