Sadness is an emotion that many people experience regularly. It’s a normal emotion, but when it becomes too intense or lasts too long, it can be a sign of depression.
To help those who may be struggling with depression and other mental health issues, scientists have developed the sad person scale. Read on to learn more about this scale and how to use it.
Do You Feel Like You’re a Sad Person? This is How the Sad Persons Scale Can be Useful
Many sad people feel trapped and unable to be happy. Some even believe their sadness is a normal state of being. But this isn’t true. If you’re feeling more down than usual, the Sad Persons Scale can help you determine if your sadness is normal and acts as an agent for change.
The scale also helps those who are unsure about whether they should seek professional help or not. It can give them a clear indication of how severe their depression may be and whether it’s worth seeking treatment for it.
SAD PERSONS Scale
The score is calculated from ten yes/no questions, with one point for each affirmative answer:
S: Male sex
A: Age (<19 or >45 years)
D: Depression
P: Previous attempt
E: Excess alcohol or substance use
R: Rational thinking loss
S: Social supports lacking
O: Organized plan
N: No spouse
S: Sickness
This score is then mapped onto a risk assessment scale as follows:
0–4: Low
5–6: Medium
7–10: High
How Exactly Does the Sad Persons Scale Work?
The Sad Persons Scale was created by medical professionals as a clinical assessment of the risk of suicide. However, it has since been used by many people to understand their mental health better.
The scale consists of nine questions related to a person’s feelings and thoughts. The questions on the Sad Persons Scale range from asking about feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and fatigue to suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Answering these questions honestly can help you identify if you’re feeling more sad than usual, or if your sadness may be a sign of depression.
Products that Can Help With Depression and Increase Happiness
1. Wholesome Wellness Happy Formula
2. VeraWella – Mood Boost Capsules
3. Unstoppable Self Confidence
What to Do if You are Feeling Sad and Depressed
If you’re feeling sad and depressed, the first thing to do is talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend or family member, talking about your feelings can be very helpful in helping you process them and figure out what to do next.
It may also be beneficial to seek professional help if your sadness persists for more than two weeks or if it’s significantly impacting your day-to-day life. Your doctor can provide more information on how best to manage depressive symptoms and connect you with resources that can help.
Finally, make sure that you take care of yourself daily by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and spending time with friends or loved ones. While they may seem little, these things can make a big difference in helping you manage your mental health.
What to Say to Someone Who is Depressed
If you think a friend or family member may be depressed, you should talk to them and express your concern. Let them know that you are there for them and willing to listen without judgment. Ensure they have access to professional help, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
It’s also important not to give unsolicited advice or try to “fix” their problems. Instead, focus on listening and offering support in whatever way feels natural. Reassure the person that they are not alone and help is available when needed.
How to Help a Depressed Friend
If you think someone you know may be suffering from depression, you should talk to them. Tell them they can talk to you about how they’re feeling and offer your support. If the conversation leads you to believe that their sadness could be a sign of depression, encourage them to see a doctor or therapist.
You can also suggest using the Sad Persons Scale together so they can reflect on their feelings in a safe space. This scale isn’t a diagnosis – it’s an assessment tool for people who need help understanding their mental health.
How to be Happier in Life
Once you’ve identified that you’re feeling more sad than usual, there are some things you can do to help make yourself feel better. It’s important to remember that it takes time for these steps to take effect, so don’t be discouraged if they don’t work right away.
Here are a few tips for how to be happier in life:
- Spend time with people who care about, love, and support you
- Make sure your physical needs are taken care of (get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise regularly)
- Take part in activities or hobbies that bring fulfillment
- Practice gratitude and positive thinking
- Make time for yourself to relax and practice self-care activities
What Does it Feel Like to be a Sad Person?
Being a sad person can be difficult. It’s normal to feel down or depressed from time to time, but when it becomes more intense or lasts for longer than usual, this may indicate depression. Symptoms of being a sad person include:
- Feeling worthless, helpless, and hopeless
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Lacking energy and motivation
- Not enjoying activities that used to bring joy
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
These symptoms can be challenging to cope with alone, so you should consider consulting a professional.
How Common is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health issue, affecting nearly one in ten individuals in the United States.
Depression isn’t only about feeling sad; it can also include feelings of irritability, disinterest, fatigue, or even aches and pains. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you or someone you care about, seek help from a medical professional.
What is the Difference Between Being Sad and Depressed?
Sadness may be a sign of depression, but the two are not always the same thing. Feeling sad can last for days or weeks after a difficult situation. Depression is an ongoing condition that lasts for more than two weeks and affects how you think and behave.
The Sad Persons Scale can help you identify if your sadness is greater than usual or if it could be a sign of depression. If so, seek out professional help as soon as possible.
How to Tell if a Person is Depressed
If you’re concerned that someone is depressed, there are a few signs to look for. These include:
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Lack of pleasure in activities they used to enjoy
- Low energy or fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Irritability or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, seek professional help immediately. The Sad Persons Scale can be a helpful tool in identifying if a person may be depressed or not.
Zoppler is reader supported and may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. We support and believe in all the products and services we promote and are affiliated with.
