How does depression differ from normal sadness?

Depression is characterized by persistent sadness that lasts for a significant duration, typically for at least two weeks, alongside various functional impairments in daily life. This includes difficulties in areas such as work, relationships, and self-care, which distinguishes it from normal sadness. While sadness is a common emotional response to life's challenges and can be fleeting, depression represents a clinical condition that affects a person’s ability to function in multiple areas of life.

In contrast to normal sadness, which is often situational and temporary, depression is more pervasive and often does not have a clear triggering event. Instead, it can arise without any identifiable reason and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness. This multifaceted impact on a person's life helps to clarify the distinction between passing feelings of sadness and the more debilitating nature of depression.