Sadness |
Depression |
| An ordinary emotional reaction to adversities such as loss or disappointment. It is nonetheless normal and acceptable provided that the response and perception remain realistic, logical, and undistorted. |
Thoughts and perception are distorted in some ways. The effects of such distortion can be a serious burden. |
| An explicit sadness which one understands that there is a way out, either knowingly or unconsciously, and that the sadness will go away. |
A feeling of a never-ending unhappiness. |
| Alleviate the blues by diverting attention to other things. |
At least two weeks of incessant barrage of depressive thoughts. |
| Grieve goes away eventually; the low mood does little to one's self-esteem. |
Depressive symptoms tend to persist or recur, causing harm to one's self-esteem |
| Does not affect much on interpersonal relationships, or performance at school or at work. |
Affects interpersonal relationships, performance at school or at work significantly. |
