Is depression the same as the blues?

Almost everyone has felt “down in the dumps” at times or had a phase of “the blues.” In this state, you may have referred to yourself as feeling depressed. Depression is different from “the blues” in so many ways. It is important for us to understand the same and act accordingly. You also need to respect the mental phase of another individual:

Duration:

An individual must be experiencing significant symptoms for at least two weeks on an ongoing basis.  Individuals who are feeling a bit “down” basically shake off these feelings in a few days. The “down in the dumps” sensation we’ve all had is noteworthy for being temporary.

Intensity:

In addition to being longer lasting, true clinical depression is also more intense than a case of the “blues.”  Usually, individuals who are feeling “blue” or “down” manage to perform their regular daily activities.  Individuals experiencing an episode of depression often are unable to function normally. The depression linked with work, relationship, and daily activities routine.  In vital cases, depression can lead to feelings of complete hopelessness and suicidal thoughts or acts.

Symptoms of Feeling Blue: 

Feeling “blue” are ways we describe feelings of depression.  Right depression has a host of other symptoms including sadness.  They may include: significant weight loss or gain, insomnia, loss of interest in daily activities, feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness, loss of energy, and poor concentration.

Causes of Feeling Blue:

Brief periods of feeling “blue” are basically caused by life events that leave us feeling discouraged.  From a broken date to the loss of a loved one, the causes can range from minor to major events.  Depression can be triggered by a stressful life event, but study focus that depression is also associated with a variety of genetic and biochemical factors. Few individuals appear to be more “hard-wired” to get depression.  The “blues,” on the other hand, are feelings with which almost everyone can relate.