How is it different from regular depression?

Clinicians describe the difference as content. The despair is about something (injustice, futility, the size of the universe). It eases a little when someone takes it seriously and worsens when it’s dismissed as “thinking too much.” Clinical depression flattens everything, including the questions. One can slide into the other. If sleep, appetite, or getting through the day are going, treat it as depression first. If there are thoughts of suicide: call or text 988 (US).