The boundary between sadness and depression is a topic deserving of in-depth reflection. The DSM defines depression as a collection of disorders “characterized by sadness so severe or persistent that it interferes with functioning, interest, and pleasure typically derived from activities we value.”
Sadness, on the other hand, is an emotion caused by pain or displeasure. When persistent and pervasive, it can be a depressive symptom, but in itself, it is not pathological or something to eliminate at all costs. It arises in response to specific events, such as loss, disappointment, or significant changes, and indicates alterations in our lives. Unlike depression, it does not necessarily compromise daily activities or have debilitating effects on health.
Psychological and neurophysiological research has shown that sadness can foster a useful form of introspection, encouraging individuals to reconsider their priorities and goals. It can serve as a “message from the body and mind” requiring recognition, processing, and metabolization. This process—giving meaning to the experience and transforming it into a resource—can represent a crucial step for personal growth and emotional stability.
Therefore, sadness is not something to suppress but a phenomenon to explore. Numerous studies confirm that not all feelings of sadness lead to depression; however, suppressing or denying it can contribute to depression’s development. Recognizing sadness as an integral part of life and learning to manage it healthily is essential.
Embracing sadness means permitting ourselves to experience a genuine, natural feeling. This awareness promotes self-acceptance; our body constantly communicates with us, and ignoring its signals can lead to consequences. Instead of fearing sadness or viewing it as a weakness, we should consider it an ally that helps us better understand ourselves.
Depression is a more complex state. Labeling it solely as a “disease” is reductive, as it represents a profound distress involving psychological, physical, social, and relational aspects. Often, it arises due to unprocessed or unrecognized sadness that, over time, transforms into a sense of emptiness and helplessness. Scientifically, depression involves neurochemical changes in the brain, but these are often the result, not the primary cause, of the disorder.
Depression should be seen as a call to attention, a message from the psyche inviting us to deeply examine our lives, relationships, and values. It is a cry from the organism asking to be understood. These states must therefore be addressed in their complexity and not simply silenced with palliative treatments.