When Is Sadness More Than Just Feeling Blue?

When I was a little girl, my grandmother would say, “Don’t borrow trouble,” or, “Grief does not change you, it reveals you.” At the time, those phrases didn’t make much sense to me. But as I’ve grown in age and wisdom, their meaning has become clearer. Life is full of stages and seasons—times of great joy, love, loss, and yes, even sadness.

As a licensed clinical mental health therapist, I know that sadness is a normal part of life. But I also know there are many forms of depression, and sometimes sadness is more than just “feeling blue.” I want to take a few minutes to explain, in simple terms—just like my grandmother would—what these types of depression are, and when it might be time to seek help.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

If you’ve experienced a major change or loss—like a job or relationship ending—and you find yourself feeling down, you might be experiencing what’s called an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This type of depression is directly linked to a specific event and usually lasts about six months. The cause is clear, and the symptoms often fade as you adjust. For children, irritability may be the only sign you notice.

Bipolar Disorder

Some people experience episodes of very elevated moods (feeling unusually energetic or “up”) that last about a week, followed by periods of depression. This pattern may be a sign of bipolar disorder. It’s important to recognize both the highs and the lows, as both are part of the condition.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Then there’s a type of depression that feels like carrying a cloud around with you all the time—think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, always sighing, “Oh bother.” This is called dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder. It’s a long-lasting, low-level sadness that can make life feel dull and heavy.

Cyclothymia

Another form is cyclothymia, where mood swings are less severe than bipolar disorder but still cycle between periods of mild depression and mild elevation. It can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, even if the highs and lows aren’t extreme.

Major Depressive Disorder

Finally, there’s major depressive disorder. This is more than just a bad day or a rough week. It’s a pervasive low mood that lasts at least two weeks, often accompanied by a loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, and other symptoms.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your sadness lingers, interferes with your daily life, or you notice changes in your mood, energy, or interests, it’s time to reach out. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and you don’t have to face it alone. The promising news is that depression is treatable. There are many effective therapies and new treatments that can help, no matter what type of depression you’re experiencing.

Remember, just as my grandmother’s wisdom grew clearer with time, so too can your understanding of your own emotions. If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek support. Healing is possible, and you deserve to feel well.