What is major depressive disorder?
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There is a distinct difference between general sadness and depression. Sadness is situational and generally has external causes beyond the control of the person (i.e. loss of a loved one). Depression is the cause of a chemical imbalance in the brain, so it is internal. Think of it like emotions. Sadness is anger at something, but there isn’t a direct target for the anger. Because of this lack of a target to focus the anger, there is a feeling of hopelessness, and one will “feel” sad. Therapy can help with sadness because there is an external source that can be addressed. Depression is basically anger turned inward as there is no external source. Therapy alone generally doesn’t work with major depressive disorder because the chemical imbalance remains. This is why a combination of therapy and medication is the best course of action.
One thing to note. Sometimes you feel sick and go to the doctor, and if it’s a common virus, they might say take some Tylenol, drink plenty of fluids, and let it run it’s course. BUT, if symptoms continue after a certain time or become worse, go to the emergency room. Sadness is like this. After the loss of a loved one a person will be sad, but if that sadness lasts a long time or isn’t adressed in therapy, the brain will become used to this feeling, leading to a chemical imbalance, aka major depressive disorder. If something is making you sad and you are struggling to get over it, seek help!
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