Depression or just sad?

How do you know if you have depression or if you're just sad? I know that might seem like a silly question and I apologise if this is in the wrong section but ever since my mother passed away (when I was 8) and my step mother came into the picture and was abusive towards me I haven't really been able to be completely happy again. I have two beautiful kids, a fiance who is really good to me, our own home and car but I often feel there is something missing in my life. My step mother is no longer married to my dad so I don't see her anymore but I still think about all the horrible things she did (not just to me but to my sister and her own kids) I am trying every day to get on with my life and be a good mum to my own kids but its hard at times. I get stressed and frusterated at them at times so I yell at them and I feel bad because I want them to be happy children (I had a happy childhood before my mum died and before my step mother came along). I have tried explaining this to people.....

(continued) but they just don't understand, my dad basically just tells me to "get over it" which doesn't help (he wasn't really around much and had no idea what was going on). I have never had any councilling (sp) or anything as I think its too expensive, how do I get over this? How do I be happy again? Some days I don't even want to get out of bed... ;(

Wow, I know where your coming from. My mother passed away when I was 9 and I've never dealt with it but I feel like I've never been happy in my life. My dad insists that I get over it as well and that I am just " lazy " I just started seeing a therapist and she has already helped me realize so much. It is expensive but to me the happiness is worth it.

i think its more of a childhood trauma.
i had one before, the best way is to deal directly to.. try talking to your step mom and tell her everything that is in your heart and mind.. it would feel better after you let it out, believe me..

i dunno

You have anger.. built up from years. I had it too, I was so angry with my mother but she passed away five days ago. She committed suicide, and its interesting because there were so many things I left unsaid. You need to deal with those issues, it'll hurt like hell and be harder than you can imagine. But you can't carry your past like a weight around in your future. It may damage your family as a whole. Don't talk about it to people who don't understand, maybe you should get in touch with a doctor. They have you fill out a sheet, and explain your problems. Don't live with the concept that you have depression, because you may just need to deal with past issues. You need, to move forward. Whether it's going back and releasing everything or letting it go. You are not her. Take your anger, your struggles, and look them head on. You will not let those affect your children.. Give them a better life. Don't ever let depression consume you. Do not take your own life, it affects so many people.. We both know what it's like to loose somebody. It affects you forever.
Be living proof for your kids that you can get through it, be there for them as they grow up. Tell them your story when they're old enough to here it. Be strong.

When you're depressed, you have trouble finding joy in anything. You try to convince yourselves that spending time with your children or hanging out with your friends will cheer you up, but you often find yourself tired upon social interaction. Also, you continually think about death even if you know you'll never commit suicide. You think of how your family would react if you just disappeared. You think thoughts such as, "What difference do I make?" or "I just want everyone to leave me alone."