Can I Be Depressed Without Feeling Sad
by David Stanislaw | Mar 3, 2021 | Depression, Therapy
Major depression is a debilitating mental illness that can interfere with your job, your family responsibilities, and your life. Common depictions of depression involve someone who is sad or melancholy all the time. But you can be depressed without feeling sad.
Depression Affects Each Woman Differently
Not every woman who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms. Others have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the illness.
Where Can I Learn More About Depression in Women?
The following agencies have additional information on depression in women.
Am I Depressed Or Just Sad
Anyone who has experienced a loss of any type will know what it feels like to be sad. Losing a game, a favorite jacket, or even an irreplaceable family heirloom can make anyone feel sad for a time. More traumatic experiences, however, such as the loss of a loved one, may trigger deeper and more persistent negative feelings.
Depression can look different for each person experiencing it, but there are key factors that can be an indicator that its time to seek a depression treatment program. These symptoms include:
- Persistent, intense feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Feeling as if life is not worth living
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Loss of interest in hobbies and daily activities
- Sleep problems, including insomnia and hypersomnia
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Changes in appetite and libido
When someone is dealing with depression, the symptoms will interfere significantly with their daily life. Sadness might make someone feel upset for a day or so, but depression can be overwhelming to the point of taking over your life. Find out more about depression treatment programs today, and how you can access life-saving treatments with Sunstone Recovery.
Recommended Reading: How Can I Tell If My Husband Is Depressed
Major Or Clinical Depression
Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate and is characterized by severe, relentless symptoms.
- Left untreated, major depressive disorder typically lasts for about six months.
- Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder.
How Are Depression And Anxiety Diagnosed
There are no specific tests but your GP may perform some blood tests for other health conditions that share similar symptoms with depression or anxiety.
Your GP will need to get a good picture of the way youre feeling mentally and physically. They will ask you lots of questions about your symptoms and the changes youve noticed.
It can be difficult to think about specific answers on-the-spot but the following suggestions might help you plan ahead for your appointment.
- Make a list of all your symptoms, whether they are worse at certain times of the day or on particular occasions, how long youve had them and their effect on your day-to-day life and relationship with others.
- Explain any circumstances that could be contributing to these symptoms and the way you feel.
- Take a list of all medications you currently take, including any supplements or non-prescription medication.
- Be as open and honest as you can remember anything you say is confidential.
You May Like: Medications Used For Bipolar Depression
Other Reasons People Hide What They Are Feeling
Parents who are experiencing depression may worry about how their children or family could be affected. They may even fear that they will be seen as unfit parents if they admit to having feelings of depression.
The pressure to justify depression can be overwhelming, but remember the old saying that you cant judge a book by its cover. The way someone elses life appears to be may not show the whole truth.
People who are depressed may work very hard to try to hide how they really feel. On the outside, they may look and even act as though they feel OK and that everything is fine.
Whether youre experiencing depression yourself or you care about someone who is, it can be helpful to reframe how you think about the condition. Start by focusing on the causes of depression rather than focusing on reasons .
Sadness Is Different From Depression
Feeling sad does not mean you have depression. But if your mood starts to interrupt your life and how you function, then you may have become depressed.
Key differences between sadness and clinical depression relate to the cause for the change in mood and how long you have felt that way, and other symptoms that might be present.
If your mood relates to a recent event, such as a relationship breakup, then you may well be feeling sadness. But if that breakup was months ago, or you can see no clear reason for your change in mood, you could be depressed, and it might be helpful for you to chat to your GP about whats causing you to feel the way you do.
Lets look the differences between sadness and depression.
Sadness:
- is part of lifes regular ups and downs, but it is not constant
- is a common reaction to an upset or setback, and is usually not a cause for worry
- is interrupted by times of laughter and contentment
- is an emotion that can involve negative thoughts but does not usually involve suicidal thoughts.
Depression:
Read Also: Where To Go To Get Diagnosed With Depression
We Can Find Small Victories
The desire to make an effort to ward off depression is important. I know when its time for a change. At that point, Im ready to argue back against depressions whispers.
Learning to say no in life can preserve our mental health and save our personal bandwidth in many ways. It establishes healthy boundaries and helps us develop respect and expectations among our peers.
It also saves me from myself.
Im going to go take that walk. Im going to get up and take a shower, even when the weight of depression is so heavy I can barely move my feet.
And guess what? I feel the success of that small victory like a burst of sunlight in the darkness. I did it. I got up and took that shower. I went for that walk. I brushed my hair today.
Depression said I couldnt, but I did it anyway, and I know Im unstoppable.
Coping With Low Moods
Whether youre depressed or feeling low, there are lots of things you can do to cope:
- Keep talking Whatevers happening, keep talking to the people trust about it. Remember that you can always talk to Childline.
- Express yourself Let your feelings out through writing, art or however you feel comfortable. Or you can use the Calm Zone to get ideas.
- Make a bedtime routine Try to go to bed at the same time each night, and take some time before bed to relax and stop doing anything. And try our tips to help you get to sleep.
- Eat healthily and keep activeGentle exercise and eating healthily can help to improve your mood and feel better over time.
- Do something positive Try and do one small thing each day. You could do something to express yourself, feel good or help someone else. Weve got lots of ideas to get you started.
Things guys don’t talk about
It can be tough to talk about how youre feeling. But youre not alone and we can help you get through it.
To be able to see videos, we have to ask you to accept Targeting Cookies within your Cookie Settings
Olly Alexander from Years & Years talks about opening up
To be able to see videos, we have to ask you to accept Targeting Cookies within your Cookie Settings
Feeling depressed, sad or unhappy?
To be able to see videos, we have to ask you to accept Targeting Cookies within your Cookie Settings
Read Also: Is It Hard To Get Disability For Depression
Do Something You Enjoy
Your favorite hobbies may seem less enjoyable when you feel sad or down, but giving them a try anyway can sometimes offer mood-boosting benefits.
If youre struggling to muster up any energy, try low-key activities instead of ones that you feel exhausted just thinking about.
A few possibilities:
- cuddling your pet
Signs You Could Be Depressed Without Knowing It
01 – Dec – 2020 Navarro Medical
Did you know you could be suffering from depression without feeling sad? Mental health is a concern anytime, but especially during an isolating pandemic like COVID-19. Be sure to speak with your physician right away if you have any of these warning signs.
Read Also: Why Do I Always Get Depressed
Researchers At The National Institute Of Mental Health And Across The Country Are Dedicated To Womens Mental Health Research
Researchers continue to study depression to improve the way this medical condition is diagnosed and treated. For example, NIMH researchers are currently working to understand how and why changes in reproductive hormones trigger mood disorders, including postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopausal depression.
NIMH scientists are conducting a large number of research studies with patients and healthy volunteers to better understand why some women are at higher risk than others, and how they can translate these findings into new treatments or new uses of existing treatments.
What Should I Do If I Think Im Depressed
One of the challenges of depression is that it can be hard to do anything, even your normal activities, during an episode. Still, in between episodes it may feel like nothing is wrong. Your best strategy is to use this up period to get prepared for the next down. Speak to your doctor or a psychotherapist about coping strategies to help you manage your mood and balance out your emotions. It will help you have more good days so you can better enjoy your life.
David Stanislaw is a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. He helps children, teens and adults with depression and other mental health concerns. Contact David Stanislaw to get help today.
Recommended Reading: Best Antidepressant For Menopause Depression
Take The Depression Test
Depression strikes millions each year, often with debilitating consequences. This psychological disorder is so common that it is sometimes referred to as the “common cold” of mental health, with nearly 10% of the population suffering from a depressive disorder at any given time.
Depression has a high cure rate. Effective treatments exist to help bring people’s lives back under control. Yet tragically many people suffering from this illness go without diagnosis and treatment. This depression test is a tool that may help you recognize the symptoms of depression and decide to get help. Please note that only a licensed professional can diagnose depression.
Is It Depression Or Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, involves serious shifts in moods, energy, thinking, and behavior. Because it looks so similar to depression when in the low phase, it is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. This can be a serious problem as taking antidepressants for bipolar disorder can actually make the condition worse.
If youve ever gone through phases where you experienced excessive feelings of euphoria, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior, consider getting evaluated for bipolar disorder.
Need to talk to someone?
Get affordable online counseling from BetterHelp or visit HelpGuides directory for free helplines and crisis resources. HelpGuide is reader supported. We may receive a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp through the provided link. Learn more.
Also Check: Online Test For Depression And Anxiety
I Am Sad Not Depressed
For a couple of months now I have been feeling low and out of sorts. Its like there is a black cloud hovering above my head, not allowing me to think straight. This cloud doesnt allow me to wash, leave the house, tidy up, eat, or dress.
I am sad, not depressed.I have been seeing many professionals over these past couple of months they believe I am depressed. However, this title doesnt belong to me. I am not worthy of this label. It belongs to those that have suffered trauma, lost loved ones and dont have the things in life that I have gained recently. I have moved house, learnt to walk again after eight long years and I have also become engaged. Yet all these things mean nothing to me.
I am sad, not depressed.Nothing has happened around me to make me feel sad. I feel confused. Why is this happening? Why is there a dark cloud above me that appears even when there are so many positives going on? This shouldnt be happening.
What You Can Do To Feel Better
When youre depressed, it can feel like theres no light at the end of the tunnel. But there are many things you can do to lift and stabilize your mood. The key is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there, trying to do a little more each day. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there by making positive choices for yourself.
Reach out to other people. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to friends and loved ones, even if you feel like being alone or dont want to be a burden to others. The simple act of talking to someone face-to-face about how you feel can be an enormous help. The person you talk to doesnt have to be able to fix you. They just need to be a good listenersomeone wholl listen attentively without being distracted or judging you.
Get moving. When youre depressed, just getting out of bed can seem daunting, let alone exercising. But regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication in countering the symptoms of depression. Take a short walk or put some music on and dance around. Start with small activities and build up from there.
Eat a mood boosting diet. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, sugar and refined carbs. And increase mood-enhancing nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids.
Also Check: Code For Depression With Anxiety
Differences Between Sadness And Depression
Another important twist is that people can feel sad, even intensely sad, without depression being involved. When people experience a loss, they usually feel sad, but dont necessarily feel depressed. Sadness and depression have similarities, but they have some important differences.
When people are sad and express their sadness, they feel better, whereas when people are depressed, crying and expressing their pain may not give them relief. Sadness doesnt involve mean thoughts about oneself, or hopeless or suicidal thoughts, but depression often does. Sadness doesnt involve distortion in perception, or loss of perspective, whereas depression usually does. Finally, sadness doesnt interfere with feeling other emotions, while depression often prevents a range of specific emotions.
In my experience, most people who are depressed have some sense that something is wrong, and if they dont, people around them usually do. It really doesnt matter whether suffering fits neatly into the DSM diagnosis for depression or not.
Its not necessary to diagnose yourself or your loved ones. If you or someone you love is suffering, get professional help to assess what is causing the suffering and what would help relieve it.
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.
Severities Of Clinical Depression
Clinical depression can often come on gradually. So it can be difficult to notice when something is wrong. You might try to cope with the symptoms without realising you’re unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
The severity of clinical depression depends on how much impact it has on your daily life:
- mild clinical depression has some impact
- moderate clinical depression has a significant impact
- severe clinical depression almost impossible to get through daily life
You can have clinical depression and other mental health disorders. For example, anxiety, psychosis or other difficulties.
Also Check: How To Get Over Mild Depression
Feeling Empty And A Lack Of Purpose
Feeling empty can mean several things. It can mean that you feel like you lack a purpose in life for starters. This is extremely common in just about everyone for some portion of their life, but when depression is involved, it can get a little complicated. to fill that void or to find your purpose. The danger of this symptom is the negative action you may take due to your feelings.
Another way you can feel empty is the lack of emotion.
One of the many symptoms of depression is being numb or isolated. It is easier to spot when you are expected to express happiness or excitement. The lack of emotion felt and expressed is easier seen by friends and family.