What's the difference between...?!
Question: ...clinical depression and just depression? i recently went to see a social worker/counsellor/psychiatrist person (not really sure what she was, i can't remember what she said) and she said i need to see a consultant to see if the suspected depression i have is clinical. so what's the difference?
i'm so confused about everything atm. :(
Answers: ...clinical depression and just depression? i recently went to see a social worker/counsellor/psychiatrist person (not really sure what she was, i can't remember what she said) and she said i need to see a consultant to see if the suspected depression i have is clinical. so what's the difference?
i'm so confused about everything atm. :(
Depression is the mood disorder that causes you to feel sad or hopeless for an extended period of time, usually lasting days to weeks.
Clinical depression is long term depression. The term is usually used to denote depression that is not a normal, temporary mood caused by life events or grieving.
clinical depression is when there is a chemical imbalance in your brain. You get depressed for "no reason"
Depression can be caused by outside experiences. Such as someone dying, or being heartbroken.. Which can make you depressed.
Clinical depression can be treated with anti-depressants and counselling. Depression because of events can normally be treated with counselling alone, and is something that will pass.
I imagine she just meant whether it is diagnosable or not. If you are diagnosed with depression, not just suspected of having it, you could be prescribed an anti-depressant. Clinical depression is more severe and persistant.
Clinical depression often involves some sort of psychosis, and often serious self harming, even schizophrenia and clinical depression often go hand in hand, requiring hospitalisation. More than just passing depression ie feeling down for a while. Clinical depression usually involves a complete breakdown, unable to function in an everyday scenario with ease.
Edit - To the thumbs down people. I suffer from clinical depression myself and no anti- depressants work for me (different ones over a four year period) so it isn't just about medication or counselling I have to say.
Clinical depression: Chemical imbalance, what I suffer from
Depression: Outside influences
I know I didn't ask the question but your answers have helped me to recognise the type of depression that i am suffering from, so thank you all.
There is NO DIFFERENCE imo either mild to severe, other than to say, clinical depression usually involves a stay in hospital (not always). Severe clinical depression in lay man's terms, is a nervous breakdown. The fact you can't remember what she said and that you are confused does indicate that you have depression, to what degree, I don't know.
If you are sleeping and eating ok, then I'd guess your depression is mild, but don't dismiss it, as it could get worse. Good luck.