"Feeling sad does not mean you have depression. But if your mood starts to interrupt your life and how you function, then you may have become depressed. Key differences between sadness and clinical depression relate to the cause for the change in mood and how long you have felt that way, and other symptoms that might be present. If your mood relates to a recent event, such as a relationship breakup, then you may well be feeling sadness. But if that breakup was months ago, or you can see no clear reason for your change in mood, you could be depressed, and it might be helpful for you to chat to your doctor about what’s causing you to feel the way you do.

Sadness:

• is part of life’s regular ups and downs, but it is not constant

• is a common reaction to an upset or setback, and is usually not a cause for worry

• is interrupted by times of laughter and contentment

• is an emotion that can involve negative thoughts but does not usually involve suicidal thoughts.

Depression:

• is a longer term feeling (more than two weeks) of severe sadness or or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and other symptoms. These symptoms may include sleeplessness, low energy, concentration problems, pessimism, loss of hope, suicidal thoughts and appetite issues.

• has complicated causes, which may involve genetic or biological components. Maybe the person has experienced a traumatic event or psychological stress

• can lead to significant weight change or sleep disruption.

• is mentally painful and can be life altering"

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/its-okay-to-feel-sad

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