Sadness
Everyone feels a bit down or anxious from time to time. You may have noticed that you or someone you care about has become withdrawn from friends or family or no longer enjoys things they used to love.
How is sadness different from depression?
Everyday frustrations, disappointments, work-life balance, financial stress or grief can cause an individual to feel sad. It is a normal part of human experience to feel and express sadness. However, if sadness or worry go on for more than 2 weeks and start to affect daily life, this may be a symptom of depression or another disorder, such as anxiety, which needs medical assessment and treatment.
Where to get help
Find out more about the symptoms of depression.
Find out about recovery.
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Last reviewed: February 2020