Depression or sadness?

[YellowAardvark]

If you've gone through a stressful heartbreaking time and feel sad, how do you know the difference between being depressed or just really sad? All the online tests say depressed but I don't know how much it is a reaction to circumstances that have been really shit. How do you know?

I dont know is my honest answer.

Would you do anything different if you knew you were depressed?

Being sad is awful too.

You could just treat yourself for depression and it will help you even if you're not.

I mena like taking time for yourself, not being hard on yourself, eating well, teaching reaching out to peoplpeople for support etc.

That went a bit haywire.

Reaching out to people for support is what I meant.

Depression sucks the happiness out of you; whatever brought you you will not do so in the same way.
You're best talking to your GP as they will have more specific guidelines for the diagnosis of depression.