Thread by @ETimesLifestyle

Here's how you can find out whether you're suffering from regular sadness or depression timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/hea…

Difference between sadness and depression:

Many people confuse sadness with depression. While sadness is a small part of depression that promotes feelings of anxiety, remorse and dejection, it cannot be misinterpreted as depression itself.

Signs to determine whether your sadness is a form of depression or not:

There may be a high possibility that you feel the same emotions when you're only sad about certain problems in your life. That said, it becomes extremely important to identify the root of all your problems

Overwhelming sadness: Depression is a set of overwhelming emotions, that has no source of origin and may trigger a state of confusion and disorientation. It stays for a long period of time where your negative emotions cloud your positive mental framework.

Sadness without no rhyme or reason: When it's regular sadness, there is always a reason behind it. It lurks in slowly and you know exactly why you're feeling such emotions. But in terms of depression, you are confronted by a sudden splurge of emotions

When getting work done is a task: Sadness gets work done, because the person suffering from it finds reasons to deviate their minds with different activities. However, depression disallows a person from thinking straight and prohibits the mind from doing anything

You lose interest in your friends: In sadness, people seek comfort in their friends and family. But in depression, you try and avoid your loved ones. Your mind becomes so polluted with negative emotions that you prefer isolating yourself than being around people.

Your sadness lingers on and doesn't go away on its own: As is known, sadness is temporary and comes and goes at its own pace. But when it comes to depression, it lingers on and does not go away on its own.

Heightened mood swings: While sadness may also trigger mood swings, it leaves room for apologies and acceptance. But depression can result in elevated levels of anxiety and anger that somehow forbids any kind of reconciliation and discussion.

You lack focus in everything:

From being unable to determine the cause of your stress and anxiety to having no interest in life whatsoever, depression can make you lack focus in everything you put your mind to.