Feeling Down vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

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Feeling down is a common human experience, but clinical depression is a medical diagnosis. Understanding the difference between feeling down and depression is crucial for getting the right help. Part of the confusion is the usage of the word ‘depressed’ – Webster’s dictionary defines depression as ‘low spirits, gloominess, dejection, sadness’. Who has never felt gloomy, dejected or sad? So when everyone feels that they are an expert on ‘depression’, everyone has their own advice. ‘You need to get busy, get out more,’ ‘stop feeling sorry for yourself,’ or ‘just pray, give it over to God!’ are common admonitions that people suffering from depression are subjected to. Unfortunately, such comments contribute to making the depressed person feel even more helpless and alone.

What Is the Difference Between Feeling Down and Depression?

The problem is that there is a huge difference between ‘clinical depression’ and the common understanding of the word ‘depressed’ or ‘down’. The same goes for Anxiety, which is often confused with everyday stress or worry. It would be somewhat like giving your home remedy for colds to someone suffering from double pneumonia. Some of the symptoms, contributing factors, and aspects of treatment might be similar, but the severity of the illness and the consequences if not treated properly are very different and, possibly, very dangerous.

Signs of Depression: When Is It More Than Just Feeling Down?

Whereas some people may describe themselves as feeling ‘depressed’ or ‘down’ when they are simply tired or disappointed with someone, clinical depression is a medical diagnosis based on the presence of at least five specific symptoms which have been present nearly constantly for at least the past 2 weeks. Clinical depression has a significant impact on daily functioning, and is not just having ‘a very bad day’. Depression can also appear in specific contexts, such as stress-related depression or the baby blues. For parents, recognizing the signs of depression in teenagers is particularly important.

Why Do People Avoid Seeking Treatment for Depression?

It is estimated by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) that approximately 2/3 of people who are clinically depressed never receive appropriate treatment. Sometimes the depression is misdiagnosed, but a major problem is also that the depressed individual fears being stigmatized as ‘weak’ and ‘inadequate’ and does not seek treatment.

The Outlook for Depression Recovery

That’s the tragedy of depression — at a time when early treatment and the support of professionals, family