Sadness/ Depression
Sadness and Sorrow:
Sadness is a very normal human emotion that many people are over come with after painful life experiences, such as a friend or family members death, a physical accident of some sort, or other life situations that make humans upset. But like other emotions, sadness is temporary and does fade away overtime. This is how sadness as an emotion differs from depression which is a disorder (find more about what depression is under our page on Clinical Anxiety & Depression). Sadness does often times come with symptoms that are also symptoms of depression, the difference is that with sadness, symptoms should never last longer than 2 weeks, if these symptoms are more aggressive after this 2 week period of time or if suicidal thoughts are ever involved, it is depression, which is a mental illness, not an emotion.
Clinical Depression:
Clinical Depression is a longer- term mental illness, especially when compared to the emotions of sadness and sorrow. many people with this mental illness are impaired socially, ocupationally and have trouble functioning on a day to day basis like humans are supposed to. This is due to the nature of this mental illness often causing people to lose any and all enjoyment from life and its various happenings. If clinical Depression is not treated, symptoms of depression may last a lot longer.
Symptoms of Depression:
Constant feelings of fatigue
Lack of sleep/too much sleep
Constant sadness or disatifaction
iritability
difficulty concentration / dissociating
loss of enthusiasm or enjoyment in things that used to bring pleasure
feelings of worthlessness
feelings of deep, unwarranted guilt
constant thoughts about death/ suicidal thoughts
Physical symptoms like headaches or body aches that do not have a cause
self-harm
Finding Healthy ways to Cope:
Finding healthy coping habits can be very difficult to find and maintain. Many people will turn to drugs, big life changes, and increased interest in dangerous activities. While all people approach coping differently, it's important for us to discuss what we are facing with those close to us. Sometimes those who know us best, are the best people to help you find healthy ways to cope with whatever you are facing.
Coping with anxiety can be harder of course, but there are always going to be more personalized ways that you can cope. Going outdoors and interacting with nature is a large way humans have been known to relax and have anti-anxiety experiences. Activities that require physical movement and team work can typically be very supportive to mental stress, but this can be accessibility-based.
If you plan on using or use any drugs please check out our Drug Education page with expansive information on how to safely ingest and preventative measures.
Suicidal Thoughts and Sadness/ Depression:
While Suicidal thoughts can come from any source, we want to put in a note here that notices the ways in which our anger can overcome our mind. Sorrow and Depression is the leading cause of suicide and self-harm. All of us can struggle with our mental health in times of deep sorrow, depression, etc. It is always a good idea to speak with a mental health care professional if you believe you have trouble regulating your emotions. Take time to discuss any worries you may have, and be sure to include anything about what causes the depression or sadness. The way we view others and ourself can be complicated and professionals are there to help all of us.
National Crisis Hotline: 988