Discussion of depression and depressive symptoms cannot be equated… Today’s discussion is about the difference between “depression” and “depressive symptoms or depressive state”, the former is the name of a disease and the latter is the name of a symptom, not a disease determination. ”Depression” refers to a disease characterized by depressed mood, slow thinking and reaction, reduced behavioral activity and even motor retardation. It can be a single episode or recurrent, but in general, it is an episodic illness that can partially or completely resolve during the interval between each episode. The occurrence of the disease is influenced by several factors, and most experts now believe that it may be the result of a combination of biological and environmental factors. The diagnosis of “depression” is based on the following criteria: 1) symptomatology… 2. duration of illness… ; 3. severity criteria… 4, to exclude diseases that are not depression. The above criteria require clinical examination and diagnosis by specialists or experts. The treatment of “depression” should be based on antidepressant drugs, with emphasis on standardized, systematic and rationalized treatment plan. The treatment must not be intermittent or intermittent. The clinical efficacy of the first onset treatment must be obtained, otherwise the disease will be delayed, making treatment difficult, etc. So what does “depressive symptoms or depressive state” mean? First of all, it is not a disease but a symptom or state. Just like the symptoms of fever, cough, headache, etc., it is caused by many factors, and the symptoms will disappear naturally after the factors are solved. With the development of society, people’s problems and adaptability in work, life, study and family will increase, and people’s thinking methods, emotional reactions, and behavioral activities will collide and contradict each other in operation. What to do? Emotional reactions, distress, anxiety, worry, insomnia, and certain symptoms of the vegetative nervous system are the first to appear. They can often self-resolve this situation, they clearly know the source of the cause of this emotion will also be better released, etc., can relieve the symptoms are not so serious, talk with friends and family, and psychologists to do some diversionary treatment will be good. Most people do not need to take medication or use medication for a short time. It is not a disease of depression no matter judged from that point of view. Therefore, diagnosis should not be abused and medication should not be taken indiscriminately. But it is still necessary to go to the hospital to make a correct diagnosis whether the differential diagnosis can be made clinically.