Understanding the Difference Between Sadness and Depression

Sadness is an emotion that many feel from time to time. For some, the experience of sadness may be fleeting and mild and for others, it seemingly lingers. One question we hear a lot is, “So if you’re experiencing sadness more frequently, how do you differentiate sadness from depression?”

Before we answer that question, let’s talk about depression—possible causes and symptoms.

What Is Depression?

This is a complex question in part because depression is often thought to be a product of various elements such as mental, emotional, and situational factors. There could also be genetic and biological factors that increase the presence of depression.

Some common causes of depression we’ve seen in our work with clients include:

  • A history of trauma or a recent traumatic event

  • A significant loss or grief experience

  • Genetics (you are more likely to experience depression if it runs in your family).

  • Major life changes, events, or transitions.

  • Challenging problems or conflict in relationships or significant social isolation

Common Symptoms of Depression

  • A persistent feeling of despair, hopelessness, or emptiness

  • Noticeable lower energy levels

  • Difficulty concentrating and getting things done

  • Appetite or weight changes

  • Increased irritability

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.

  • Teariness or more frequent crying.

  • Headaches or body aches and pains

  • Digestive issues

  • Persistent feeling of ‘what’s the point?’

  • Heightened anxiety

  • Thoughts of death or suicide (if you are currently contemplating suicide, call 988—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

How Is Depression Different from Sadness?

The way we like to talk about this is to simply note that sadness is an emotion—a common one that we all experience from time to time. Depression, on the other hand, is a consistent experience of feeling sadness, along with other emotions like hopelessness, despair, and a great loss of motivation. It can be a complex mental health concern that may not shift, even with positive life circumstances or situations.

How We Approach Symptoms of Depression

There are a variety of ways a therapist may approach treating symptoms of depression. At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, we consider how we can holistically treat depression and how it might be impacting our individual client’s life—in all aspects.

With that in mind, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach that we can prescribe that would be a fit for everyone. We believe each individual is unique and the way their depression manifests in their life each day might require more thoughtfulness than a cookie-cutter treatment plan.

But some factors we consider when we collaborate with our clients to create their treatment plans are:

  • Lifestyle & habits: This means taking a look at current habits around eating, sleep, and movement

  • Support system: Healing takes place in community and in relationship with others and often those with depression tend to isolate themselves

  • Current routines: One of the hardest parts of depression is not being able to do the things that you used to. Perhaps you can’t bring yourself to care anymore, or maybe you don't have the motivation to complete day-to-day tasks. A schedule can help you do what you need to do and get better.

  • Sustainable self-care: This means finding even small, micro ways to take care of yourself and spend your time doing things that help you to feel refreshed and re-energized. This will look different for everyone. And often, the best, most sustainable form of self-care doesn’t require spending money on something like a massage (though it certainly could!).

  • Trauma: As mentioned before, trauma is often at the root of depression. Assessing for trauma and developing a treatment plan to address trauma is something our therapists will consider when treating depression

  • Depression as Symptom of the Soul: Depression can be a natural consequence that results from unaddressed pain and confusion. When depression shows up, it may be an alarm bell saying, something needs tending here, the usual coping tactics aren’t working. When we start to acknowledge and voice the previously unexpressed pain, depression can lift. Instead of seeing depression as who you are, we see it as a symptom of something inside that needs attention and healing.

Work with A Holistic Depression Therapist in Los Angeles

Interested in working with a licensed holistic therapist? We currently offer telehealth to all residents of California. If you’re local to the Los Angeles area, we also have limited in-person openings for sessions at our Highland Park office.

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with our Care Coordinator or submit a contact form to learn more about our team and how to work with one of our holistic therapists.

Jenny Walters