'Being Depressed' and Depression

[zipadeedodah]

I understand that these are different things, but what is the difference? Is depression seen as a longer-term illness, rather than a short-term thing?

How do you know if you are depressed?

Thanks x

[Cetti]

Don't feel too bad RATTER , because unless you've been on the receiving end of the 'Black Dog' as Winston Churchill called it, then you would imagine they were one and the same.

[RATTER15]

Cetti, its like I said I know exactly what depression is, and I have been on the receiving end of it, the two words do mean the same! its just peoples interpretations of it that are different.

[RATTER15]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/depress ion

[andy-hughes]

Hi RATTER15, thank you so much for your apology, although I have to advise that it was unesessary, I didn;t for one moment think you were makng light of the condition.

It still stand by my explanation of the two very different meanings of an ambiguous label.

As far as I am concerned, the medical definition of depression should have a totally different word - something that has the same ring of seriousness and sympathy as cancer, with which I believe it has far more in common than simply feeling a little bit low sometimes.

Nice of you to post though, I and I am sure others will appreciate your sensitivity.