Severe Depression vs. Clinical Depression: Understanding the Difference

Severe depression and clinical depression are not the same thing.

Severe depression is a mental illness characterized by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. Symptoms may include:

- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emptiness

- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities

- Significant weight loss or gain without dieting or a change in appetite

- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Clinical depression is a more general term used to describe any type of depression that is diagnosed by a mental health professional. Clinical depression can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

- Sadness or low mood

- Loss of interest in activities