Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

What Does Depression Feel Like? The Difference Between Sadness and Depression

15 Apr 2025

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What does depression really feel like — and how is it different from ordinary sadness?In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, psychologists Dr. Robert Duff, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, and Dr. Maduka Trivedi help clarify one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. While sadness is a temporary emotional state, depression is a serious and persistent illness that can impact every part of life.Through metaphors, expert insights, and lived experience, our guests explain why depression is not a weakness, why positive events don’t always “snap someone out of it,” and what symptoms signal a need for professional help. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you—or someone you love—are experiencing is sadness or depression, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:What depression feels like vs. what sadness feels likeDr. Robert Duff’s “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression explanationDepression as a recurring pattern and “parasite”Why sadness fades but depression lingers day and nightDr. Margaret Rutherford on forgetting how to be happyThe hidden faces of depression: irritability, exhaustion, despairDr. Maduka Trivedi on why external positives don’t cure depressionClinical signs of major depression (per WebMD’s criteria)When to seek professional help and available treatmentsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why sadness and depression are often confused 01:14 – Episode overview and why this distinction matters 02:24 – Dr. Robert Duff on “Big D” vs. “Little d” depression 03:24 – Depression as a recurring uphill battle 04:25 – Metaphors: depression as a “parasite” that feeds on itself 05:09 – Dr. Margaret Rutherford on crossing from sadness into depression 06:55 – Why depression consumes daily life in a way sadness does not 07:07 – Forgetting happiness: why it’s not a choice 07:31 – Depression as a genetic predisposition, not weakness 08:45 – Dr. Maduka Trivedi: the two major signals of depression 09:48 – Why positive events don’t always shift depression’s weight 10:23 – WebMD’s nine symptoms of major depression 11:22 – How to recognize major depressive disorder 11:33 – Treatment options: therapy, medication, and sleep hygiene 11:45 – Closing encouragement for those living with depression Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

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Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

What Does Depression Feel Like? The Difference Between Sadness and Depression

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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