Everyone feels low sometimes. Sadness is a healthy, temporary response to loss or disappointment, and it usually lifts as circumstances change. Depression is different: it lingers, dulls the things you used to enjoy, and affects how you sleep, eat, and think about yourself.
Sadness vs. depression
The clearest difference is duration and reach. Sadness comes in waves and has a cause you can usually point to. Depression tends to settle in for two weeks or more and colours nearly everything — often without an obvious reason.
- Persistent low mood that lasts most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities that used to feel good
- Changes in appetite, sleep, or energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Noticing these patterns is a starting point for reflection — not a diagnosis. Only a qualified clinician can confirm what you are experiencing.
What to do with what you notice
If several of these have been true for a couple of weeks, it is worth talking to someone. Depression is highly treatable, and the earlier you reach out the easier it is to turn around. A Wellbe therapist can help you understand your mood and build a plan that fits your life.
