Contents:

Not all sadness is depression
Depression may look different to what you think
What causes depression?
Can you recognise depression yourself?
When should you see a psychiatrist?
Depression can be a life-threatening illness
Depression and the seasons
Where can you find help?

Sadness is a part of life. It can arise following a break-up, problems at work or another difficult event. It usually fades over time, and we gradually return to our daily lives. Depression, however, is an illness that may require treatment and, in the most severe cases, can be life-threatening.

According to figures cited by the National Sanitary Inspectorate , around 1.285 million people suffer from depression ; it is the most common mental health disorder in the world.

Not every instance of sadness is depression

Not every instance of feeling down indicates an illness. A temporary dip in mood in response to life events can happen to anyone. We start to consider the possibility of depression when the symptoms are severe, persistent and have a clear impact on daily life.

How can you tell the difference between sadness and depression?, photo: panthermedia

A typical depressive episode involves symptoms that occur for most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks. However, it is not as simple as saying: ‘I’ve been in a bad mood for 14 days, so I must be depressed’. It is the doctor who assesses the symptoms, their severity, their course and their impact on family, work and social life.

Depression may look different to what you think

Sadness is just one of the possible symptoms of depression. A loss of interest and pleasure is also very characteristic. For example, someone who previously enjoyed meeting friends, playing sport or travelling suddenly stops deriving any pleasure from these activities.

Signs of depression may include, amongst others:

constant tiredness and a lack of energy,
sleep problems or sleep that does not bring rest,
changes in appetite and body weight,
difficulty concentrating and with memory,
withdrawal from social contact,
feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt,
pessimistic thinking and a lack of hope for the future,
thoughts of death or suicide.

The person affected is not always aware of their condition – sometimes it is their loved ones who first notice the worrying changes.

What causes this depression?

Its development may be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. These include, amongst others:

traumatic or chronically stressful experiences,
the loss of a loved one, a job or a marriage,
relationship problems,
chronic illnesses and disability,
addictions,
genetic predispositions.

Depression can occur both following a very difficult event and for no apparent reason. Not everyone who has experienced trauma or loss will develop the condition, whilst in some people depression will develop despite the absence of an obvious ‘reason’.

Family predisposition may also play a role. A person whose parent has experienced a depressive episode may be two to four times more likely to develop the condition during their lifetime. However, this does not mean that depression is inevitable.

Symptoms of depression: when to see a psychiatrist?, photo: panthermedia

Can you recognise depression yourself?

Online tests and lists of symptoms may suggest that it is worth seeking help, but they are no substitute for a medical diagnosis. This is because a single symptom can have many causes. Fatigue may result from a lack of sleep, a physical illness or being overworked. Problems with concentration may arise due to stress or, for example, the menopause, whilst sadness may be a normal reaction to a particular situation.

In diagnosing depression, therefore, not only the symptoms but also the context in which they appear are important. The British doctor G. Francis points out that modern psychiatry has useful classification systems at its disposal, but these should not replace an individual assessment of the patient, as a person cannot be reduced to a set of labels or questionnaire results.

This is also important for a second reason: not every difficult emotion is an illness, but a genuine illness cannot be compared to a ‘low mood’. It is up to a specialist to determine what is what.

When is it worth seeing a psychiatrist?

If your low mood persists, worsens or starts to interfere with your daily life, it is worth speaking to a psychiatrist. They will assess, amongst other things, the severity of your symptoms, their impact on your functioning, any previous health problems and your risk of suicide. If necessary, they will also recommend further diagnostic tests.

However, it is not advisable to wait until the symptoms worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference to the course of the illness. Starting treatment early is important for the course of the illness. The first depressive episode can last from a few weeks to several months, and the illness may recur. Appropriate treatment reduces the risk of further episodes.

Seeing a psychiatrist is nothing to be ashamed of. The stigma surrounding mental health conditions is gradually diminishing, and they are increasingly viewed as a health issue, just like any other illness.

Depression can be a life-threatening illness

This is one of the most important things to bear in mind. In severe depression, thoughts of death or suicide may arise. These should not be downplayed or treated as merely a ‘cry for attention’.

Suicidal thoughts are common in depression, and early diagnosis and treatment of the condition – including hospitalisation – are of particular importance.

Therefore , if you have thoughts of taking your own life or harming yourself , you must seek professional help immediately.

Can depression lead to suicide?, photo: panthermedia

Depression and the time of year

Autumn and winter are often associated with seasonal depression. Shorter days and less daylight can affect sleep and the circadian rhythm.

However, as UCLA Health points out, seasonal affective disorder can also occur in summer, although this is less common. Factors contributing to this may include changes in sleep patterns, later sunsets, hot weather or disruptions to daily routines. Symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances or sadness.

Where can you find help?

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can access free support:

116 123 – a 24-hour helpline for adults in emotional crisis;
800 70 2222 – Support Centre for adults experiencing a mental health crisis, available 24 hours a day, including online;
116 111 – a 24-hour helpline for children and young people;
22 594 91 00 – Antidepressant Helpline, operating at specific times.

If you notice a marked change in your mood, energy levels, sleep or day-to-day functioning – speak to your doctor.

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Am I just feeling sad, or am I already suffering from depression? When should I consult a psychiatrist?

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