Depressed or Depression: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by WellPower

The world can feel like a heavy place. Whether because of difficult life events, relationship problems, or trouble at work or school, it’s natural to feel sad, down, unmotivated, or alone at times. It’s also surprisingly common to experience something more – persistent difficulty concentrating, staying motivated, even just getting out of bed.

As you try to put words to what you’re experiencing, you might notice that terms like “depressed” and “depression” are often used interchangeably in popular culture. In reality, though, they represent significantly different states of mental health. Understanding the distinction between feeling depressed and having clinical depression is essential for recognizing when to seek help and how to offer support to your loved ones.

So, what is the difference between feeling depressed and having clinical depression?

Understanding the Terms

Depressed: A Temporary Experience

Feeling depressed is a common and temporary experience that everyone has throughout their lives. It is often a reaction to specific events or situations, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup, job stress, or other life challenges. When someone says they are feeling depressed, they are usually describing a mood that is characterized by sadness, disappointment, or frustration. These feelings can be distressing as they continue to have a presence in our day-to-day life, but they generally resolve as we adjust to the situation or as circumstances change.

For instance, if someone fails an important exam, they might feel sad or discouraged for a few days. This is a normal emotional response and does not necessarily indicate a mental health disorder. Such feelings are typically transient and can be mitigated by positive experiences, support from friends and family, or personal coping strategies.

Depression: A Clinical Disorder

Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical disorder that persistently affects a person’s mood, thoughts and behavior over time. Also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that requires support and treatment from a professional. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness (feeling depressed), MDD is identified as lasting for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing depression. These include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.
  • Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
  • Restlessness or slowed movements.
  • Fatigue or loss of energy.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 988 right away to speak with a mental health professional.

To be diagnosed with MDD, a person must experience at least five of these symptoms for a minimum of two weeks, and these symptoms must represent a change from their previous functioning. It is crucial to recognize that clinical depression is not just a temporary feeling of sadness but a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life.

There is often a temptation to self-diagnose based on a list of symptoms, especially as mental health has become a more common topic in society. If you are experiencing symptoms that seem like clinical depression, it’s important to talk to a professional before self-diagnosing.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of Feeling Depressed

Feeling depressed can be triggered by various factors, including:

  • Life events: Experiences like a job loss, financial troubles, relationship issues, or the death of a loved one can lead to feelings of sadness or depression.
  • Health problems: Chronic illnesses, acute medical conditions, or hormonal changes can affect a person’s mood and lead to feeling depressed.
  • Stress: High levels of stress, whether from work, school, or personal life, can contribute to feeling depressed.
  • Lifestyle factors: Poor sleep, lack of exercise, or an unhealthy diet can negatively impact mood and contribute to temporary depressive feelings.

These factors can cause a person to feel down for a period, but they generally improve as the situation changes or as the person adapts to new circumstances.

Causes and Risk Factors of Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is often the result of a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Some of the key contributors include:

  • Genetics: Depression can run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
  • Biological factors: Neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal changes and differences in brain structure and function have been shown to have some kind of role in depression, though it’s important to note that studies over the past several years have dispelled the idea that depression comes solely from a “chemical imbalance” in the brain.
  • Environmental factors: Traumatic or stressful events, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or significant losses, can increase the risk of developing depression.
  • Psychological factors: The way a person develops coping mechanisms and thought patterns in response to external conditions can make someone more susceptible to depression.

Treatment and Help for Depression

How to Manage When You’re Feeling Depressed

If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, it can be helpful to engage in self-care activities and seek support from friends and family. Some strategies include:

  • Talking about your feelings: Sharing your emotions with a trusted friend or family member can provide relief and perspective. If you prefer to process on your own, writing about what you’re experiencing can provide many of the same benefits.
  • Engaging in physical activity: Exercise can boost mood and reduce feelings of sadness or stress, partly due to the release of “feel good” hormones like endorphins. This doesn’t have to be anything extreme – sometimes a brisk walk around the block can help.
  • Practicing mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage negative emotions.
  • Maintaining a routine: Keeping a regular schedule for sleep, meals and activities can provide stability and reduce stress.
  • Incorporating healthy habits: Being mindful of excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, as well as adding healthy foods into your diet can help moderate a wide range of moods.
  • Seeking professional support: If feelings of depression persist or worsen, consulting a therapist or counselor can provide additional support and guidance.

When to Seek Help for Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider. Each person’s experience with the condition is different, and so is the approach to treatment – what works for one person might not be effective for another. Treatment for clinical depression is individualized for each person and may include:

  • Therapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address the underlying causes of depression and develop coping strategies.
  • Medication: Antidepressant medications can help balance neurotransmitters in the brain and alleviate symptoms of depression.
  • Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and understanding from others who are experiencing similar challenges.
  • Lifestyle changes: Incorporating healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and sufficient sleep can support overall mental health.
  • In severe cases: Hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs may be necessary to ensure safety and provide comprehensive care.

Remember that what you are feeling is real, no matter whether it is a passing experience or something more severe. Understanding the difference between feeling depressed and having clinical depression is essential for recognizing when to seek help, as well as how to support loved ones who are going through it.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please reach out for help. There are people standing by who want to hear what you’re going through.

  • Call or Text: For help 24/7/365, rain or shine, call or text 988 to be connected to a real person at the National Mental Health Lifeline. Learn more at 988lifeline.org. 
  • In person: For 24/7/365 in-person support in a crisis, come to WellPower’s walk-in crisis center at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver (4 blocks east of the corner of Colfax Ave. and Colorado Blvd.), or find a Colorado location closer to you. 
  • Ongoing services: To find out more about mental health services at WellPower, give us a call at (303) 504-7900.