I know this topic has been talked about before and is commonly discussed with bipolar disorder in terms of determining the difference between a mood and personality disorder. Usually the answer I have seen is length of time and if it is in reaction to something. This generally makes sense, yet I am not sure it always helps me and I am curious if others have trouble with this and have any tips?

I sometimes get sad for a long period of time until it could be classified as depression, but I wonder if it is really just prolonged sadness? Or, I can have short duration changes in what seems like it might be a mood if I don't get enough sunlight, sleep, or my hormones interfere.

My therapist thinks I am too focused on the surface stuff, trying to improve my mood with light therapy and what not, and need to delve deeper. I tend to agree to a point, but also at this point if my mood is changing every winter, for example, then something seems up besides just my emotions or things I need to work on from my past?

Anyways those are some personal examples, but I really do struggle to tell the difference sometimes and I am wondering if anyone has tips or experiences to share? Thank you!