FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hello! 😊 A new mental-health post is here!❤️

Today, I’ll be discussing the differences between depression and sadness. I’ll also share some of my experiences that connect to these themes, and offer motivational advice and practical, valuable insights!

Trigger warning: if you struggle on your own, this blog post might be difficutl for you to read. However, this article shares also motivational content, information and more! The decision to keep reading is entirely yours!❤️❤️

We all feel sad from time to time. However, when this sadness lingers and significantly impacts your joy, your capacity to handle everyday life, you might suffer from depression.

It’s crucial to divide these two topics and if you think you are more than just sad, do not hesitate to contanct a mental-health professional even if you are in doubt. You do not have to be depressed to get the right help. Early intervention is also key to better recovery.

Sadness, an emotional state of being

Sadness is a normal emotional human experience. If we would not have all these emotions like anger, sadness, happiness, we would not be human.

Sadness is a common and natural reaction to trying, painful situations. These might include the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, struggles at home, at work or at school, or, for example, facing significant life transitions that mean beginning anew.

When you are “just sad”, so not depressed, you still enjoy the company of a loved one, going out with friends, colleagues or family members. You find comfort and motivation being around other people, and their tips to make you feel better work most of the times.

If, on the other hand you start to isolate yourself from others, feeling more lonely than ever even when surrounded by loved ones, feel as though you are carrying a big burden on your shoulders, are crying constantly, (often for no apparent reason), and for instance, you do not feel like doing anything for more than two weeks, this could be a strong sign you are experiencing depression.

Before we continue, please Keep in mind that I am not a professional in this area. I am someone who has struggled and continues to struggle with depression in my daily life. so I am a patient, not a doctor or a therapist. If you are struggling, please reach out to a professional.

Depression, a medical mental illness

As a common and serious medical illness, depression negatively impacts how you feel, think and act.

It’s more than just feeling sad; yes, sadness is there as an emotion, but it is very intense and persistent. Smiling is a hard thing to do, and you might feel also empty most of the time. Additionally, you may also feel a burden to your loved ones and not worthy of love.

Your thinking also changes, you can get so negative and find it hard to see the positive in things. Professionals call it distorted thinking.

The way you act is another key factor to depression. You may find it hard to get through the day, accomplish things, there is a loss of pleasure in activities you normally love doing (anhedonia).

So, as you have just read, depression is more complicated than sadness. Although you should not take sadness lightly, especially if you are noticing sadness is getting more intense over time.

Sharing a bit of my life stories…❤️

Looking back, sadness and depression have always been there in my life, especially when I began primary school. First it was more sadness, but then as I struggled more and more with the academical part, being really shy and sensitive also didn’t help me to get out of my shell and feel better.

Even though my parents have mentioned more than once me being a lively little girl, I cried constantly and became upset, sometimes really upset over small things.

Sharing some raw, honest moments…

School has always been a real struggle for me, even though I would not have thought or expected that already as a young seven year old child, I would take things so seriously at the point of having suicidal thoughts.

At that time, I was less expressive with words. I expressed my inner distress through slamming doors at home, shouting to my parents or crying when I was not able to express what I was truly feeling.

When I think back, also with the help of my therapist, sadness has been the starting to depression. Depression has in a way crept upon me, silently until it became evident later on.

With that said, healing from depression is an ongoing process. If you struggle too, take help from your therapist to manage your depression and loved ones too and make the best out of it❤️

Never lose hope if you struggle, never lose confidence in you. If you have doubts, questions don’t hold back from asking for advice and help. You are always worthy, you are always loved❤️

Much Love and Light ❤️✨

Sofia Lena 😊

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