Depression vs ‘Feeling Down’: Which One Is It?

While it is normal for someone to experience changes in mood, sometimes in response to life events or illness, depression is much more than a transient feeling of unhappiness. Those with depression will struggle to cope with everyday activities, such as tending to personal hygiene, cleaning the house, or going to work. Those around depressed patients will find it very difficult to ‘cheer them up.’ The symptoms often last for more than two weeks, and in severe cases, might even lead to suicidal thoughts and psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions.