Depression is an illness
What does 'depression' mean?
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Depression is a word that everyone knows and uses in a variety of contexts:
A good friend says: Everything's been great over the last week, but today I feel depressed.
Another states: She was really sad and depressed after her husband died.
A third admits: I've been tired and depressed for months.
Your family physician explains: You're suffering from depression. We'll get you started on some treatment and that should help you feel better.
Depression means many things
Depression may mean that:
- You are "just unhappy" about your circumstances in life
- You are grieving
- You feel sad and normal everyday activities have come to a halt
- You are ill
- You have been diagnosed as being depressed by your family physician
It's important that you differentiate between:
- Being unhappy
- Grieving
- Suffering from some form of depression (a treatable illness)
Do you feel sad and depressed?
Everyone's felt unhappy at some time or other. At times life may seem sad and difficult – sometimes the future can look bleak.
It's only natural to feel sad and grief-stricken in the face of adversity and loss such as:
- A relationship break-up
- Unemployment
- Bereavement
Usually your life doesn’t come to a complete stop for more than a few days or maybe a few weeks. During this time you still tend to participate in everyday activities even though your heart isn’t in it. Your still able to enjoy life’s surprises when something out of the ordinary happens.
Sadness and low spirits pass
Sadness and low spirits pass. Grief will affect you less in time, though it may never disappear completely. You can do something to help yourself. Support from your family and friends will also make a difference. You need to be with others, talk to others and solve your problems. In this situation you are not clinically depressed.
You may wonder:
- "If depression is the same as feeling down or grieving over something, why is it treated with psychotherapy and medication?"
- "Why are people with depression admitted into psychiatric care?"