How do I know if I'm just feeling sad, or if I really have depression?

Sadness is a natural emotion that everyone feels at some point in their lives. Feeling sad is a reaction to situations that cause emotional upset. There are different degrees of sadness however sadness is temporary. Depression is a mental illness and affects all aspects of our lives, making everything less enjoyable, less interesting, less important and less worthwhile. It saps energy, motivation, and ability to experience joy and pleasure. You’re more impatient, quicker to get frustrated and quicker to break down. However, if you are feeling depressed, staying connected to other people and taking part in social activities will make a world of difference in your mood. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others.

You have to analyze your feelings and first make sure to tell yourself that your emotions and feelings are totally valid. Then ask yourself some questions. 1. Identify the source of sadness. What made you feel sad? 2. How long have you felt this way. 3. Have you done anything that makes you feel better 4. Do you feel unmotivated? After answering those questions, try and determine if you are just sad or if you are sad for no reason, and feel unmotivated. You can also talk to a listener at 7 cups, a friends, family member, or trusted adult to sort through your emotions so you can better identify your struggle.