Mental health experts distinguish sadness from depression

Distinguishing between natural sadness and clinical depression is essential for mental health awareness. While sadness is a natural response to specific life events like loss or disappointment and tends to diminish over time, depression is a persistent disorder that can last for weeks or months and significantly interferes with daily routines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 280 million people worldwide live with depression, making it a leading cause of disability. Psychiatrist Pedro Borges of the Instituto Maria Modesto notes that while individuals with sadness can still find moments of joy, depression impacts a person's ability to maintain normal activities.