Depression affects 3.8% of the global population.
That’s 280 million people—with women 50% more likely to suffer from it than men.
It is one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed mental health conditions, and our country needs to raise awareness of this emerging public health issue.
In a month like February that’s supposed to be for love and connection, one can easily feel anxious, unwanted, and alone.
In this post, we learn more about what depression is and how to spot it in oneself or others. Knowing might save a life.
What is Depression?
“Depressed ako today.”
We throw the label around, but depression is not just about some mood change or having a bad day. It is a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks or months. It can cause a loss of interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and, in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In addition to persistent and overwhelming sadness, other symptoms include:
Low energy or fatigue
Sleep problems (too much or too little)
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or restlessness
Physical symptoms (headaches, body aches)
Feelings of guilt
Feelings of worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts (for severe cases)
Causes of Depression
Depression is a complex matter and isn’t caused by one thing. It arises from a mix of factors:
Biological Factors – Genetics can play a role. If someone in your family has had depression, your risk for it increases. But genes alone don’t guarantee you’ll develop it. Your environment and life experiences definitely have an impact.
Brain Chemistry – The condition is linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—regulators for things like mood, motivation, and pleasure. When these brain chemicals are too low or are not working properly, depression can result.
Life Events – External events might trigger depression: death of a loved one, a major breakup or separation, losing one’s job, experiencing financial hardship (poverty), experiencing financial loss, or being in a highly toxic relationship or environment. Especially when one bad thing happens after another, the pile-up can prevent one from coping with the situation.
Medical Conditions – Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, and even some medications can trigger depression. It can lead to loss of that zest for life or add to feelings of hopelessness.
Lack of Social Support – Loneliness and isolation can cause or make depression worse. We are social beings and people without strong relationships are more likely to feel lonely and develop negative thought patterns.
Depression is often misunderstood, and no two people experience it the same way.
Here are five things you need to know:
#1 Depression Doesn’t Always Look Like Sadness
Many people assume that depression is just extreme sadness, but that’s not always the case. Some individuals are high-functioning despite being depressed. They’re maintaining jobs and relationships. We might even say that they are living successful lives. But they are struggling internally.
Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian, is a well-known case of someone who masked severe depression with humor.
Somebody who’s always “okay” or happy might actually be covering or masking an inner struggle.
#2 It Can Physically Hurt
Depression is not just a mental struggle. It often has real physical consequences—and one of them is pain.
For example, many people with depression report constant fatigue, body aches, headaches, or digestive ailments that have no clear medical explanation. If someone keeps visiting doctors for stomach pain, joint stiffness, or persistent headaches without a diagnosis, depression might be a contributing factor.
So while depression has mental and emotional aspects, it also has a very real physical impact. And this is one of the things that people don’t understand about the condition. They think depression is just about emotional turmoil, or lack of motivation. But in many cases, it’s a physical affliction as well.
#3 Blood Tests Might Help Diagnose It
While depression is primarily diagnosed through psychological assessments, research suggests that biomarkers in blood could help identify it.
Research has found that folks with depression have low ethanolamine phosphate. Using the phosphate level blood test has been found to correctly diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 82% of the time.
Additionally, imbalances in cortisol (the stress hormone), serotonin, and vitamin D have been associated with depression. Some advanced lab tests now measure these markers, helping doctors create more personalized treatment plans. If traditional therapy and medication haven’t worked, getting lab tests to check for biological factors could be an important next step.
#4 It’s Not Just a Chemical Imbalance
The more we learn about depression, the more we realize how complex it can really be. It’s not just about having low serotonin.
The condition can be multi-factored, which explains why antidepressants don’t work for everyone.
Although it has become more common, we have a ways to go in terms of our understanding of it. So a holistic treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, exercise, therapy, and social support can yield good results.
#5 Many People Suffer in Silence
While the stigma around mental health has significantly decreased over the years, there are still those who, for various reasons, might not ask and get needed help.
According to the World Health Organization, over 75% of people with depression in low- and middle-income countries do not receive treatment, often due to social stigma, lack of access, or financial constraints. That’s three-fourths of those who suffer from it are not getting any form of support or help.
Men also are far less likely to seek help, often due to societal expectations that they should be “tough” and self-reliant. This can lead to dangerous coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and even suicide.
Each year, 700,000 people die by suicide—with depression as a leading cause. For people ages 15-29, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death—not physical illness of any kind, but self-inflicted harm.
This highlights the importance of getting help for those who might need it. So we need to learn how to spot it in ourselves or others.
Differentiating between Sadness & Depression
Feeling sad is a natural part of life, but clinical depression is something far more serious. While sadness is a temporary emotional response to difficult situations, depression is a prolonged mental health condition that affects thoughts, emotions, and even physical well-being.
Many people mistake depression for just “feeling down.” It’s really more than that. Here’s a list to help you see the critical distinction:
1. Duration
Sadness: Temporary, usually fades within days or weeks.
Depression: Persistent, often lasting for months or years.
2. Cause
Sadness: Triggered by a specific event (e.g., loss, disappointment, stress).
Depression: It’s also triggered by a specific event, but it persists long after the triggering event has passed. (In addition, depression can also arise without a clear trigger or reason.)
3. Emotional Depth
Sadness: Feels painful but still leaves room for moments of relief or joy.
Depression: A deep, overwhelming emptiness, numbness, or despair that doesn’t lift.
4. Physical Symptoms
Sadness: Typically does not cause physical symptoms beyond occasional tears or tiredness. Relief can be had after sleep or rest.
Depression: Can include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, aches, and sluggish movement. Fatigue doesn’t lift even after sleeping or resting.
5. Impact on Daily Life
Sadness: You can still function in work, school, or social situations.
Depression: While there are high-functioning depressed individuals who seem to keep up with the demands of daily life, depression often is very disruptive, making even basic tasks (e.g., showering, eating, working) feel impossible. Depressed people have a hard time keeping a job, maintaining a house or having meaningful relationships.
6. Self-Worth
Sadness: You may feel down but still see yourself as valuable.
Depression: Often includes overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred.
7. Thoughts of Death or Suicide
Sadness: Rarely involves thoughts of ending one’s life.
Depression: This may include suicidal thoughts or a desire to stop existing. If this is happening, seek help immediately.
8. Ability to Enjoy Things
Sadness: You can still enjoy hobbies or find moments of happiness.
Depression: A general loss of interest in everything, even things that once brought joy (anhedonia).
9. Response to Comfort or Positive Events
Sadness: Support from loved ones or positive experiences can help lighten the mood.
Depression: Even good news, love, or fun activities do not bring relief—which often frustrates loved ones who can’t understand that you can’t just snap out of it.
10. Thoughts and Mindset
Sadness: Negative thoughts are situation-specific.
Depression: Chronic pessimism, hopelessness, and excessive self-criticism, even when things are going well.
One is normal, the other is not. Understanding the difference between sadness and clinical depression is crucial, as mistaking one for the other can lead to overlooked (and untreated) mental health struggles.
If You Know Someone Who Is Clinically Depressed…
We at BloodWorks Lab know that depression is no joke. If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts, do not ignore them.
Seek professional help. Having some support is crucial. Reach out to a crisis hotline or mental health professional immediately.
Depression is treatable, and no one has to suffer alone.