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Published on: Nov 10, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Hemogram

A hemogram can tell you a lot about your blood. For instance, red and white blood cells, as well as platelets (also called thrombocytes), will be counted and examined for size, shape, volume, and degree of organization. Specific factors that may affect these parameters include a total number of erythrocyte progenitor stem cells; RBC membrane stiffness; frequency of RBC production; distribution and frequency of phagocytosis (cellular breakdown); distribution and type of leukocytes (white blood cells) in circulation; vitamin deficiencies like folic acid or B12 deficiency. The number of toxic substances such as lead poisoning can also be analyzed from a hemogram.

Your hemoglobin levels should be high and your white cell count should be low. It's very important to have a blood test done when you're pregnant to make sure that you don't have any type of disease that the blood could transmit to the baby through the placenta, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or other diseases.

It's also important when giving birth if one is Rh-negative and hasn't been vaccinated against it (if they can't remember their past). If they were exposed in pregnancy and gave birth with an Rh-positive partner, there's a chance for their newborn baby to receive too many RBCs from mom and develop jaundice/anemia;

A hemogram is a blood test that measures the hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and other substances in the blood (such as total protein and red blood cells). Hemograms can be differential or comprehensive. Comprehensive: performs a complete analysis of all forms of an organism's entire circulating cellular mass. Differential: analyzes two sources from one specimen- for example, plasma and white cells, platelets and red cells, prothrombin time combined with partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer level with complete lipid profile to provide a clear diagnosis of possible metabolic liver problems.

A blood count measures the number of each type of cell found in one cubic millimeter (1/10th of a teaspoon) or 500 microliters (a little less than half a cup) of whole blood. The numbers are reported as cells per cubic millimeter, so you need to know how many millions there are to divide by 10 to get the actual headcount. In this way, for example, someone under 20 could have 1.0x1012 neutrophils and have a CBC that says they have 10x109 neutrophils per cubic millimeter."

The blood count may reveal, for example, an abnormally high number of red blood cells (confirmatory diagnosis) or determinations made by routine inspection that are not obvious without the additional information present in the hemogram. A hemogram is typically conducted to investigate an abnormal indication on a CBC. For instance, if you have very low white counts and no cause for this can be determined using other lab tests like a peripheral smear or bone marrow biopsy, it's possible that your doctor will perform a complete hemogram. Most often abnormalities are seen on the CBC.

When you're involved in extreme sports like skateboarding, your chances of getting injured are much greater than if you're at the pool or sipping tea. Hematoma is a condition that usually arises from some form of blunt force or direct trauma-related injury to the muscles and/or bones due to the high blood vessels around those areas. This injury can cause swelling which creates pressure on these vessels causing red blood cells to either leak into the soft tissue, tissues fluids, or even lead to a blocked flow of fresh oxygenated blood through these vessels if not treated promptly with an incision.

A hematocrit test analyzes the volume of red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues and organs. The more severely an individual is afflicted with anemia, the lower the percentage of red blood cells they would have in one cubic millimeter of their own cardiac tissue.

If you endure a deep cut on your arm, your body will release stress hormones such as cortisol or epinephrine that prepare your immune system for increased levels of intense activity. These types of stress hormones also trigger a large release of iron from storage sites on red blood cells so that enough iron is available to help form new erythrocytes.

A haemogram is a study of the cellular inclusions in one's blood based on their shape, color, size, and specific gene expression. This process involves pumping a person's blood through a machine (this machine includes some spinning disks that separate out each type of cell for study). However, this test is not commonly done. Instead, analysis is usually limited to basic counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Difference Between Sadness and Depression: Understanding Normal Emotions vs Mental Illness

Feeling low or unhappy is a part of being human. However, not all low moods are the same. Many people confuse sadness with depression, which can delay proper support and treatment. Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is crucial for mental health awareness, early intervention and reducing stigma.

In India, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, with emotional distress frequently dismissed as temporary sadness.

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.

It usually occurs due to:

loss or disappointment
relationship issues
failure or stress
temporary life challenges

Sadness serves a psychological purpose, allowing individuals to process emotions and adapt.

Key Characteristics of Sadness

Sadness is:

situational
temporary
emotionally painful but manageable
responsive to support and positive events

A person experiencing sadness can still function, enjoy moments and feel hopeful.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition classified as a mood disorder.

It affects:

emotions
thinking patterns
behaviour
physical health

According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression involves a combination of symptoms such as:

persistent low mood
loss of interest or pleasure
fatigue
sleep disturbances
appetite changes
feelings of worthlessness
difficulty concentrating

These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.

Duration: A Key Difference

One major difference lies in duration.

Sadness:

lasts hours or days
improves with time

Depression:

lasts weeks or months
persists despite positive events

Duration helps distinguish emotional response from illness.

Impact on Daily Functioning

Sadness:

allows continuation of work and relationships
may reduce motivation temporarily

Depression:

interferes with work, studies and relationships
reduces self-care and productivity

Functional impairment is a defining feature of depression.

Emotional Experience: Sadness vs Depression

Sadness:

allows emotional range
moments of joy still occur

Depression:

creates emotional numbness
joy and interest disappear

People with depression often describe feeling empty rather than sad.

Physical Symptoms in Depression

Depression is not only emotional.

Physical symptoms include:

chronic fatigue
body aches
headaches
digestive issues

ICMR mental health studies highlight the physical burden of depression.

Thought Patterns and Self-Perception

Sadness:

thoughts remain realistic
self-worth is preserved

Depression:

negative self-talk dominates
feelings of guilt and worthlessness increase

These cognitive changes deepen emotional suffering.

Risk Factors for Depression

Factors increasing depression risk include:

chronic stress
trauma
family history
medical illnesses
hormonal changes

NFHS-5 data indicates rising mental health concerns among young adults.

Can Sadness Turn Into Depression?

Yes, prolonged or unresolved sadness can progress into depression.

This is more likely when:

stressors are ongoing
support systems are weak
coping mechanisms are limited

Early emotional support can prevent progression.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if:

low mood lasts more than two weeks
daily functioning is affected
sleep and appetite are disturbed
thoughts of self-harm occur

Early care leads to better outcomes.

Treatment Differences

Sadness:

improves with rest, support and time

Depression:

requires psychotherapy
may need medication
benefits from structured care

WHO emphasises early treatment to reduce disability.

Role of Social Support

Support systems help both conditions but are essential for recovery.

Depression recovery improves with:

understanding family
supportive workplaces
accessible mental healthcare

Stigma reduction is key.

Mental Health Awareness in India

Mental health remains underdiagnosed in India.

NITI Aayog reports:

limited access to mental health services
low awareness
high stigma

Education helps bridge this gap.

Importance of Early Recognition

Recognising depression early:

prevents worsening
reduces suicide risk
improves quality of life

Delay increases suffering and complications.

Supporting Someone With Depression

Helpful actions include:

listening without judgement
encouraging professional help
avoiding minimising feelings

Compassion is more effective than advice.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is essential for emotional wellbeing and mental health care. Sadness is a natural, temporary response to life events, while depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, emotions and daily functioning. Recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate help can prevent long-term suffering and promote recovery. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health Research and Burden
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Mental Health Indicators
Lancet – Depression, Disability and Public Health
NITI Aayog – National Mental Health Policy and Awareness Reports
Statista – Global and Indian Mental Health Trends

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