Many symptoms associated with depression can also be felt when we feel sad.

For example, we can feel unhappy, have trouble sleeping, and feel worthless if a loved one dies because we’re so distressed. Most of us have experienced those same feelings when our pet died, which many consider to be part of the family. I know it sure feels that way.

The key difference between depression and sadness is that sadness often comes as part of a natural, individual grieving process. Depression is not a naturally occurring process.

Part of why sadness is frequently confused with, and misdiagnosed as depression, is because these symptoms also regularly last much longer than two weeks, which is needed to be diagnosed with depression in the first place.

That’s because a grieving process typically takes a long time and differs from person to person. This can range anywhere from weeks, months, to possibly years. Take note that sadness and depression can coexist. So even if you name something as sorrow, depression should still not be ruled out of the equation.

Sadness often differentiates itself from depression in:

• Negative and painful sensations come in waves when grieving. These feelings are frequently combined with positive memories of the person/animal we are remembering.
• Most of our self-esteem is maintained when grieving. With depression, self-esteem is greatly reduced!