In general, there is a relationship between chronic pain and depressive illnesses. Patients with chronic pain are more likely to be depressed, to have thoughts of suicide and to attempt suicide than those without pain. When psychologists and psychiatrists talk about depression, it has a very specific meaning. In order to meet established diagnostic criteria, these symptoms must persist for at least two weeks.
Depression is different than the periods of sadness that are part of the normal human experience.
When someone close to us dies or we are unable to reach an important personal goal, our sad feelings are a normal reaction. In fact, it would be abnormal if we didn't feel sad in such circumstances. But depression is different. Unlike healthy sadness, depression goes on and on. With FS, it is normal to feel hurt and grief over the losses that have been experienced.