I feel sad a lot, unmotivated, and I often can't stop crying for many hours. But I sleep and eat decently and I also can smile or laugh sometimes. Am I depressed or just sad?

Not clinical depression, but maybe slight depression with bi polar. You should get checked up. Sadness won't always affect how you function.

This sounds like you're battling some mean depression. I would suggest talking with a psychiatrist and see what can be done to get you some relief!

Ask yourself why am i feeling this way. Write down a few things to make you understand whats getting you down. tick the box and move forward. You deserve happiness and depression is a choice, you can get up any day

Well, there are lots of different types of depression. One is dysthymia. Dysthymia is a milder form of depression, it lasts usually around two years, and fluctuates. Don't be worried even if it is depression-- depression can be beat with support, love, and a listening ear.

You sound like you are depressed, try talking to friends/family/your doctor/your therapist, you will get better, good luck!

Sometimes sadness and lack of motivation can come from other causes. For instance sadness can be situational, and if you address the situation the best you can, or disengage from harmful situations, the sadness will be lessened (although slowly). Sometimes we need to find things we love - volunteering, hobbies, reading, journalling, or just walking with music in or enjoying a cup of tea to motivate us. Having a void of things we enjoy can cause us to feel at a loss. But if sadness and lack of motivation are chronic, and you're in a reasonably healthy environment and try to engage, than yes - this sounds like depression and therapy, workbooks, talking to social supports, medication, or talk therapy may be useful. Book an appointment with you doctor!

Sadness is periodic. That means you usually are happy and respond in sadness only in situations that provoke a reaction like that. Depression is the overhanging sadness that is always above you. You can sometimes look out from that shadow (laughing smiling), but the shadow is still there.

Even depressed people can still feel positive emotions. It just doesn't seem to last. Or provide the comfort it used to. Only a professional can really diagnose depression, but you know what your normal is, and if this is it, it might be time to get some help.

I think you're just sad. I sometimes feel that way too when various things in life aren't going my way. I get stuck in a state of mind that makes me see things negatively. Try to focus on what is going right and know that your perspective can change.

Any depressed person can sleep and eat decently and smile and laugh. Just because someone is depressed doesn't mean they cannot do these things and many more things normally. The symptoms you are describing are symptoms of depression and you should definitely see a health care provider if you are concerned. They can help you figure out this answer. Good luck!