How to Tell if it's the Blues or Depression

While there are similarities, and the terms are often used interchangeably, the "blues" and clinical depression are actually two distinct disorders, with some very definite differences. Pinpointing whether you might be suffering from one or the other can be made easier by asking yourself the following questions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have your sad feelings lasted more than a couple of weeks? The "blues" are generally a fleeting condition. You may feel sad because of a fight with your spouse or because you didn't get a job you wanted, but in a matter of days or weeks you're able to move beyond the disappointment and get back to your old self. Depression is a persistently sad, empty, melancholic mood that can last weeks, months, even years without proper treatment.

2. Have you seen physical changes in yourself? Depression is often marked by changes in eating, sleep patterns, increased irritability, restlessness and fatigue. You may also have physical illnesses (like chronic stomachaches) that don't get better with treatment.

3. What's your outlook on life? Clinically depressed people often minimize their successes and overinflate their failures. They don't appreciate the positive and they often feel hopeless and worthless. People who have the "blues" may feel down on themselves, but they can also recognize some good things, too.

4. Do you know why you're feeling the way you are? Depression often can't be traced to a single event or incident like a breakup or a lost promotion at work. Depressed people often say they really have no reason to feel the way they do. Their children are healthy, their spouses love them, their homes are comfortable. The depression seems to have no particular cause.

Tips & Warnings

• Whether you're depressed or in a funk, there are some ways you can help yourself.
• Avoid alcohol, which can act as a depressant, and overindulging on caffeine, which can make you jittery.
• Eat well, get your rest and exercise. All can boost mood.
• Surround yourself with positive people who support you.
• Be good to yourself. Engage in activities you like and pamper yourself with small treats, like a decadent piece of chocolate or fresh flowers.
• If you are uncertain about your symptoms, or if they become severe, please seek the advice and care of a physician immediately.