For me, the difference is simple: "depression" depression doesn't correlate to anything in my life- stress, events, how I currently view myself, etc. Any of th

For me, the difference is simple: "depression" depression doesn't correlate to anything in my life- stress, events, how I currently view myself, etc. Any of those things that make me feel down are me being naturally sad. If that's not happening and I still feel lethargic, unmotivated, not wanting to be awake, or (comorbid with anxiety) a constriction around my chest and a sensation of sinking into despair (a practically physical sinking sensation), well, that's "depression" depression. Therapy helped kickstart recovery, medication helps keep my mood stable, so long as my stress levels also stay in check.