Grief is personal, and the way one person mourns may be radically different from how another processes death. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, but watching for signs of depression is important during this difficult time. As the leading funeral professionals in New Haven County, CT, the compassionate staff from Porto Funeral Homes is committed to doing everything they can to help families during some of the most emotionally challenging times in their lives.

Many individuals may choose to process their emotions in private following a loss. While this is effective for some people, others will be surprised by how helpful grief counseling can be. If sadness doesn’t subside at least slightly over time, it could be a sign of depression, which can be managed with professional help.

Some additional signs of depression are isolation, suicidal thoughts, and consistent sadness. Naturally, constant or near-constant sorrow can be expected immediately following a loved one’s death. Thus, it’s not always easy to separate grief from depression, and sometimes, a person’s condition can even fall somewhere in between.

When a person experiences grief more acutely than what others might feel, they’re suffering from complicated grief. This condition is marked by symptoms such as intense bitterness, difficulty focusing on positive memories, lack of trust toward others, and being unable to accept the death of a loved one. Because complicated grief can lead to depression, it’s a good idea to seek professional help if you’re experiencing any of these feelings or thoughts. Additionally, if you’re having trouble performing daily activities, feel a lack of purpose, no longer wish to spend time with others, or feel guilt, counseling can help.

The team from Porto Funeral Homes has resources available online to assist you with every step of planning funeral services. Their caring staff will provide as much help as possible to make your loss less challenging. You can also speak with a funeral director by calling (203) 467-3000 for East Haven or (203) 934-5000 for their West Haven, CT, location.