This may be a dumb question

but how can you tell the difference between depression and...just hating/being unhappy with your life? Hopefully this makes sense to someone. I don't know what's what anymore. How do you differentiate between depression thoughts vs normal thoughts of unhappiness?

For example: Tonight I couldn't stop crying because I just feel so empty and unhappy in my marriage. There's no reason for it. My husband's been very supportive of therapy and very understanding. I just don't feel like there's anything there anymore. And that got me to thinking. How do I know which feelings are real and which ones are tainted by depression? How do I even know how I really feel?

Sorry, its late. I hope this makes sense to someone. Thanks in advance.

Well, I think if unhappiness and feelings of emptiness spur from nowhere it is probably from depression, but I don't really think there's any way to differentiate; if you're sad, you're sad. Your feelings ARE your feelings, depression is just a label to put on the sad ones, but if it does come from no where you should try to figure out the root of what is causing them or seek help in figuring it out. I wish you well

maybe this will help a little ...

Your feelings ARE your feelings


That is very true. I'm having a lot of trouble just accepting that these are my feelings, I guess. No matter where they come from. Thank you.