What's the difference between depression & major depression?

Key Takeaways

Everyone has periods of sadness once in a while. You might call this experience “depression.” But there is a difference between feeling down and having major depressive disorder (MDD).

Often, non-clinical depression happens because of difficult experiences or major life transitions. While you may have some depressive symptoms during this time, they typically resolve in less than two weeks.

MDD causes a low mood that continues for longer than two weeks and interrupts your functioning. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for MDD, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

It’s normal to feel sad when you experience challenges like losing a loved one or the end of a relationship. When faced with difficult circumstances like these, many people say they feel depressed. But there’s a difference between feeling down and living with major depressive disorder (MDD), which is also called clinical depression. Learning what sets them apart can help you identify potential MDD symptoms and know when it might be time to seek professional help.

What is depression?

In a non-clinical sense, people use the term “depression” to describe temporary periods of sadness or low mood. Usually, it’s a normal emotional response to a challenging experience.

Depression often stems from major life events. This may include making a cross-country move, starting a new job, experiencing a loss, or becoming a parent. In response, you may show some of the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) listed below. But know that they won’t last forever. While you may need some extra support during this time, these feelings often subside within about two weeks.

Keep in mind that you don’t need an MDD diagnosis to ask for help. Depression, even the temporary kind, can impact your quality of life, your relationships, and your mental health.

What is major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition that causes a persistent low mood every day for at least two weeks. Some other symptoms of MDD include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions
Memory problems
Frequent crying
Anger or irritability
A loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
Social withdrawal
Restlessness, anxiety, or agitation
Fatigue and sleep problems
Unwanted weight loss or weight gain due to appetite changes
Unexpected physical aches and pains
Slowed talking or body movements
Thoughts of self-harm or suicidality

In addition to MDD, there are some other forms of clinical depression. These include seasonal depression, postpartum depression, and dysthymia. The severity and duration of depressive symptoms will vary for everyone. But all forms of clinical depression cause an interruption in functioning and a lasting low mood.

How are depression and major depressive disorder different?

Sometimes, it can be tough to tell the difference between non-clinical depression and major depressive disorder (MDD). This is because, on the surface, they share many of the same symptoms. However, there are a few important differences between the two experiences.

Symptoms of non-clinical depression are temporary, and they do not spontaneously re-occur. As you navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs, you might have several temporary episodes of depression. These can occur in response to all sorts of challenges.

MDD, on the other hand, causes low mood and interruptions in functioning that do not go away on their own. Instead, they persist for at least two weeks. So if you have a low mood and it’s impacting your ability to live your life, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can provide an accurate diagnosis, create a personalized treatment plan, and offer the support you need to manage your symptoms.

What causes depressive disorders?

There isn’t a single underlying cause of depressive disorders like MDD. But researchers have uncovered some factors that may contribute. These factors include:

Physical abnormalities in the brain
An imbalance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate mood stability
Hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, thyroid issues, menopause, or other health conditions
A family history of depression or other mental health concerns

It’s important to note that having any of these risk factors does not mean you will automatically develop clinical depression. Your life experiences may play a role too. For example, research shows that trauma, especially at a young age, may increase your risk.

Potential treatments for depression

Clinical depression is usually treated with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Therapy: One of the most common forms of therapy used to treat depression is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). But no matter which modality or framework you use, what’s most important is finding the right therapist for you.
Lifestyle changes: Your mind and body are connected, and caring for your physical health can help support your mental well-being. While depression can impact your sleep, appetite, and motivation to exercise, do your best to prioritize self-care. Start small, have patience with yourself, and surround yourself with support along the way.
Medication: There are a variety of antidepressant prescription medications available. The most common are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Your doctor or psychiatrist can help you decide if medication is a fit for your treatment plan.

In some instances, certain forms of severe depression do not respond to traditional treatments. When this happens, your provider may recommend alternative treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Find a therapist with Rula

Sometimes, telling the difference between feeling depressed and having clinical depression can be difficult. And if you’re experiencing a low mood, you might be wondering if it will resolve on its own or if you should seek professional help. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that decision on your own. Whether you’re living with temporary depression or something more severe like MDD, talking to a mental health professional can help.

At Rula, we’re here to make it easier to find a therapist who takes your insurance. In less than 30 seconds, we can match you with a therapist who specializes in your unique needs and is available to meet as soon as this week. And if medication ends up being a part of your treatment plan, we can connect you with an in-network psychiatrist who can prescribe antidepressants and monitor your progress over time.