How do i know if its depression or a breakdown?

Difference: duration: Breakdown is catch all word used loosely to mean many things: panic attack, depressive episode or psychotic episode. I am guessing if you are comparing with depression, breakdown would last for shorter duration and of less intensity compared to major depressive episode which should at least last two weeks and is associated with change in sleep, appetite, hopelessness, a motivation and anhedonia.

Glad you asked: The fact you are asking this question would show that you have not broken down. Everyone has the right to be depressed - especially in today's world. However, we also have the responsibility to get over it. The ability to first recognize that we are depressed is already a step toward getting over it. If you do not recognize the problem you can not do anything about it. Be positive and adapt.

Get a consult: Depression is a term with definied symptoms - definition of a "break down" varies from person to person. If what one thinks about in terms of breakdown means losing control of one's mind or something similar it is important to know depression can occur with psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations - if something like that happens its an emergency - see a psychiatric or go to er.