Differences between sadness and depression
Written by:Sadness is a normal state of mind that arises from a situation of loss or frustration. If that sadness is prolonged in time because the individual can not find a way to get ahead can degenerate into a depression.
Depression is diagnosed when that state of sadness lasts for several weeks, but according to the DSMIV mental disorder diagnostic scale, depression has 5 or more symptoms, as well as sadness. These symptoms are:
1. Anhedonia : decreased interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities. What you previously did not like or motivate.
2. Weight loss : no regimen, loss of appetite almost every day. Or quite the opposite higher intake and weight gain
3. Insomnia : hardly sleep or on the contrary hypersomnia increase the hours of sleep or even do not want to get out of bed.
4. Agitation or otherwise slowing psychomotor.
5. Feelings of guilt, uneasiness , irrational ideas
6. Fatigue , tiredness, loss of energy
7. Decreased ability to concentrate , care and decision.
8. Recurrent thoughts or ideas about death , suicidal ideas.
As we said before, when the period of sadness is prolonged too much and in addition there are five or more symptoms of those already mentioned, it is considered that it is falling into a depression .
Treatment
If the person does not consult on his own initiative, it would be good if his relatives or other people nearby help him to ask for help .
In case of depression, psychiatric drugs prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary, although the simultaneous use of psychotropic drugs and psychological treatment is also recommended.
It is observed that women are more likely to consult the psychologist or other mental health professionals, probably because they are more in touch with their feelings and are more sensitive in general.
In addition, the human being in general is more prone to sadness or other mood alterations at certain times of his life, which coincide with important vital changes, for example: adolescence, birth of the children, death of the parents, menopause , retirement, illness, loss of vital capacities .... Since they are moments in which important changes coincide at the level of the environment, but also of the organism of the person.