If you have been feeling sad lately, you may wonder whether you have a mental illness or are just exhibiting normal emotions that come and go. Is depression a mental illness, or is it something you snap out of over time?
Depression is a mental illness. Determining whether you are experiencing it, another mental illness, or temporary feelings of sadness helps you develop an appropriate response. A compassionate psychiatrist in Metairie, LA, like Crescent City Psychiatric, can walk you through this journey.
Depression vs. Temporary Feelings of Sadness
“I’m feeling depressed,” a friend might say to you after losing a pet or going through a breakup. Perhaps you’ve uttered those same words in recent weeks or months. But is feeling depressed the same as living with depression?
The answer depends on a range of factors, some of which may require honest self-reflection. Talking to a psychiatrist could help pinpoint the cause of your mood change and the best treatment options for your circumstances.
Symptoms of Depressive Disorders
Depression is a mood disorder that tends to worsen without treatment. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes several depressive disorders, such as the following:
- Clinical depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Prenatal and postpartum depression
- Atypical disorder
While each of these conditions manifests slightly differently, the major symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry
- Becoming easily frustrated or irritated
- No longer enjoying the activities that used to bring you joy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling fatigued or low in energy
- Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm
The different depressive disorders have varying DSM-5 criteria. In general, if you experience at least five of these symptoms every day for at least two weeks, you likely have a depressive disorder.
When Might Depressed Feelings Not Be Signs of a Mental Illness?
Occasional feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness are a normal part of life. You might feel particularly sad after an unexpected loss or significant life change. Or you may wake up one day feeling sad for no particular reason.
These signs don’t necessarily mean you have a major depressive disorder. The primary distinction between a depressive disorder and feeling depressed is the duration of symptoms, as noted above.
Feelings of depression may result from other causes as well. Think about whether you started a new medication or were recently diagnosed with another medical condition. Alternatively, you may be feeling sadder than usual because you recently lost a loved one or are experiencing undue amounts of stress.
A psychiatrist will ask you about all of these scenarios when determining whether you have a major depressive disorder.
When To See a Psychiatrist
Is depression a mental illness? It is, and it could seriously disrupt your life. Whether you have a major depressive disorder or are simply “feeling down,” meeting with a psychiatrist can help you start to feel better.
A psychiatrist conducts an evaluation to better understand your symptoms and creates a treatment plan. They then use a combination of talk therapy and medication to help you work through these feelings and come out on the other side.
Mental health is important, and just because you may not have a clinical diagnosis of depression doesn’t mean you will simply “snap out of it” on your own. Let a psychiatrist help you pave the way beyond your depressed thoughts so you can start feeling better.
Schedule an Appointment With Crescent City Psychiatric Today
Is depression a mental illness? Yes, and if you have a major depressive disorder, it won’t go away on its own. Crescent City Psychiatric has the tools you need to work through this condition. Contact us today at (985) 249-1322 to schedule an appointment, then explore the link between depression and physical health.
