How do I tell if I'm depressed or just going through a rough patch?

The line between temporary sadness and clinical Major depressive disorder can be confusing, especially when you're in the middle of experiencing it. Everyone goes through difficult periods where they feel down, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by life circumstances. The key difference with Major depressive disorder is the persistence, intensity, and pervasive nature of these feelings. Major depressive disorder typically involves a cluster of symptoms that last for at least two weeks and significantly impact your daily functioning. These might include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, changes in sleep problems patterns (sleeping too much or too little), appetite changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt management, and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide. What distinguishes Major depressive disorder from a rough patch is that these symptoms persist even when external circumstances improve, or they seem disproportionate to what's happening in your life. With situational sadness, you can usually identify specific triggers and find moments of relief or enjoyment. With Major depressive disorder, the feelings often seem to have a life of their own, making it hard to feel better even when good things happen. If you're questioning whether what you're experiencing might be Major depressive disorder, it's worth talking to a mental health professional who can help you sort through your symptoms and determine the best path forward.