What term refers to the emotional state characterized by overwhelming sadness or withdrawal?

The term that describes an emotional state marked by overwhelming sadness or withdrawal is "depression." Depression is a mental health condition that encompasses feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It can also lead to various physical symptoms, including changes in sleep, appetite, and overall energy levels. This condition significantly affects daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Grief, while it involves sadness, is typically a response to loss and is often a more temporary emotional state, different in nature and duration compared to clinical depression. Stress refers to the body's response to external pressures or demands, and while it can lead to feelings of sadness, it does not specifically denote the same deep emotional state associated with depression. Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear, which can coexist with depression but involves a different emotional experience focused more on apprehension rather than profound sadness.