When comparing the symptoms of each experience, grief and depression are quite similar. As such, it isn’t always easy to tell if the sadness you feel after losing a loved one is due to bereavement or a more complicated mental health condition. In either situation, reaching out to a professional counselor or mental health specialist is beneficial. To determine which path to treatment is right for you, a provider will consider some of the following factors to differentiate between depression and grief.  

Feelings Experienced

Though every person’s experience with grief can vary, many go through a series of emotions that may include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. When working through these phases, you may lose your appetite, become restless, and avoid items or activities you associate with the deceased.

While similar, depression goes beyond the feelings of grief. For example, the American Psychiatry Association (APA) explains that a depressed person dealing with grief can develop persistent feelings of sadness or stress that do not relate to the deceased at all. In severe cases, depression can trigger self-worthlessness, desperation, and suicidal thoughts.  

Dissipation of Symptoms

According to the APA, acute grief is when you have feelings of yearning or sadness related to a death but can still feel happy at times. These symptoms start to fade after about six months. Complicated grief is similar but lasts longer and can become debilitating.

In either case, a person notices some improvement in their overall mood as time passes. Depression symptoms, on the other hand, tend to get worse with time.

Emotional Triggers

When experiencing grief, it’s common for people to become sad or emotional whenever they are reminded of the deceased. Still, bereaved individuals can have positive experiences in situations where they are removed from the matter of death. By contrast, depression’s symptoms tend to persist regardless of the person’s environment or circumstances.

Mental Health History

While grief is a natural response experienced by most people, it is important to note that it can trigger a depressive episode. As such, if you have a history of mental health issues—particularly that of depression—it is important to consult a psychologist who can monitor your behaviors and determine if medication or therapy is necessary.

If you or a loved one struggles with grief or depression, you don’t have to work through the experience alone. Serving a diverse group of clientele in Nebraska, the Lincoln Psychiatric Group provides comprehensive diagnoses and treatment of mental health conditions. With over 75 years of industry experience, these specialists take a one-on-one approach to ensure every client receives personalized care in a comfortable and confidential atmosphere. To learn more about their medication management and therapy programs, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call the office at (402) 476-7557.