Sadness is one of the four basic emotions. It is completely normal to experience on a fluctuating basis and is no reason to be concerned. Sadness is often a direct cause of circumstantial events like the death of a loved one or the loss of a job or a break-up. Whenever things like these happen to us that do not quite fit in with our own expectations of how they should go, it creates a sort of cognitive dissonance. While we work through the emotional response, our brain is trying desperately to sort out how and why something like this could happen when it feels so wrong. But, as time goes by, other things happen and eventually time heals the pain or heartbreak and happiness returns. This is the usual cycle of emotions. Some are more emotionally unstable than others, fluctuating emotional responses more quickly and reacting stronger to events, whereas some are not as vocal about their emotional reactions. No matter what your personality type, however, sadness is a legitimate (and even healthy!) emotion to experience.

The danger comes when depression sets in. Depressed people feel hopeless and want to retreat from experiencing emotions at all. It isn't that they are so sad they cross over into depression, it's more that they feel so much that they can no longer handle it. Sometimes this is provoked by an experience, while other times it can be provoked by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which might or might not be hereditary. No matter what the cause, though, it is important to seek professional help.

The American Psychological Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is currently in it's fourth edition. This manual outlines in a very logical manner the criteria for diagnosing a client with any psychological disorder recognized by the APA. The manual outlines the criteria for diagnosing several different "strains" of depression. While there are some techncial intricacies that only a liscenced professional could navigate, I want to outline some of the major symptoms to help you recognize depression of any type.

Just like all people are different with unique body physiology and personalities, depression does not look the same in any two people. So if you or your loved one does not have all of these symptoms, it doesn't mean that there isn't cause for concern- more than just 2 or 3 should be more than enough incentive to seek out a professional opinion! Okay, with the preliminary word of warning done, here is the list of warning signs:

• depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either the indivual claiming to feel sad or depressed, or by observation made by others; this can also appear as recurring prolonged irritability in children
• markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day
• significant weight loss or weight gain (more than 5% of body weight)
• trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
• motor problems- either fidgety/restlessness OR slowed reaction
• abnormal fatigue or low energy
• feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt nearly every day
• problems concentrating and indecisiveness nearly every day
• recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt

Depression is not just extreme sadness- it is a severe medical problem that should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one needs help, here are some resources to get you started.

First of all, if suicidal thoughts or attempts have been a symptom and you need immediate help, click here to find the number of a local suicide hotline.

To find a psychologist near you, click here.

And to learn more about depression, click here.

When a friend or family member is depressed, it's difficult to know the right thing to say or do. You want to help, but their depression seems like it will never go away. And, because the disease sucks the fun out of every conversation, you might be tempted to back off until they feel better. This could be a huge mistake. Don't let your loved one's apathy push you away. Even though they cannot express it right now, they need you more than ever! To learn more on how to support your loved one through this trying time, check out this article on Maintaining a Friendship with a Depressed Friend. (Even though it is written specifically about friendships, it will help you understand how to support a family member as well.)