How do I know if I'm depressed or just sad? I've been sad for a while but I'm worried I may be dramatic or overthinking what I'm feeling.

We all feel sad/ act dramatically/ overthink things sometimes. It is very much common. However, one is diagnosed with depression if cognitive, behavioural, physical and emotional symptoms are seen in an individual to last for 2 weeks or more. You can get more info about them in the Depression Self - Help Guide. :)

Feelings of depression are distinguishable from feelings of sadness as they acutely affect nearly all aspects of a person's life. Depending on the severity of depression, the sufferer may experience guilt, shame, disgusy and panic attacks as depression seizes major areas of one's life. While sadness allows an individual to continue functioning, depression may include self-harming or self-blame behaviour that can trap a sufferer into an automatic negative self-talk loop that is often difficult to undo.Entrapment from depression has dire n serious consequences that can lead to substance abuse, sleep or eating disorders. Professional help is always recommended for depressed individuals while sadness is an accepted emotion that is considered normal and common. If you feel shame, anxiety, frustration,humiliation and your self-worth and self-esteem is extremely low, then there is a high chance you are depressed so please seek help for this.