What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dysphoria
Example
The dysphoria she felt after the breakup was overwhelming. [dysphoria: noun]
Example
He was dysphoric and restless, unable to find peace within himself. [dysphoric: adjective]
depression
Example
She has been struggling with depression for years. [depression: noun]
Example
He felt depressed and unmotivated, unable to find joy in anything. [depressed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depression is a more common term than dysphoria in everyday language, as it is a well-known mental health condition. However, dysphoria may be used in certain contexts, such as gender dysphoria or body dysphoria.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dysphoria and depression?
Both dysphoria and depression are formal terms that may be used in medical or psychological contexts. However, depression is more commonly used in everyday language and may be considered less formal than dysphoria in certain contexts.