Depression: When Sadness Becomes a Disorder and How to Seek Help

Everyone feels down sometimes. Maybe a job didn’t work out, a relationship ended, or expectations were disappointed. These emotional dips are a normal part of life and usually fade with time. But when sadness lingers for more than two weeks and begins to interfere with daily life, it may be more than just a passing mood—it could be depression.

Because depression affects not only the mind but also the body, it can show up in many ways. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Irritability or anger over small matters
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (like sports, hobbies, or intimacy)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Fatigue and lack of energy, where even small tasks feel heavy
• Appetite changes leading to weight loss or gain
• Anxiety, restlessness, or constant agitation
• Slowed speech, thinking, or movement
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
• Unexplained physical pain such as headaches or back pain

When Should You Seek Therapy?

If symptoms:

• Last more than two weeks,
• Interfere with work, relationships, or daily life,
• Or include thoughts of self-harm,

…it’s time to seek professional help.

Example:
Ali, a 26-year-old student, found himself sleeping all day and withdrawing from friends after failing an exam. Two weeks later, he was still unable to focus, had lost interest in cricket, and felt worthless. This is the point where therapy becomes essential.

Therapies Commonly Used for Depression

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   • Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
   • Example: Learning to replace “I always fail” with “I didn’t succeed this time, but I can try again.”
2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
   • Focuses on relationships and how conflicts or losses contribute to depression.
   • Example: A newly married woman adjusting to in-laws may explore how communication gaps fuel her sadness.
3. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
   • Combines mindfulness with CBT to prevent relapse.
   • Example: A patient learns breathing exercises to ground themselves during overwhelming sadness.
4. Psychodynamic Therapy:
   • Explores past experiences and unresolved conflicts that shape current emotions.

When is Medication Needed?

Medication is considered when:

• Symptoms are severe (suicidal thoughts, extreme fatigue, inability to function).
• There is little improvement with therapy alone.
• Depression is biological and recurrent (family history, chronic patterns).

Types of medication:

• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline): Often the first choice; regulate serotonin.
• SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine): Help with both depression and anxiety.
• Other antidepressants: Used if first-line options don’t work.

Medication should always be prescribed by a psychiatrist after proper evaluation.

Example:
Sara, a 32-year-old teacher, had tried therapy for months but still felt suicidal and unable to work. Her psychiatrist added an SSRI, and with combined therapy + medication, she gradually recovered.

Final Thoughts

Depression is not a sign of weakness—it’s a real medical condition. The good news is, it is treatable. Early recognition, timely therapy, and—in some cases—medication can make a life-changing difference.

Remember: Sadness is temporary. Depression doesn’t have to be permanent.