Are grief and depression the same thing?

Grief and depression can look and feel very similar, but they are distinct experiences.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or DSM, currently in its fifth edition, recognizes that depression and grief coexist. Grief, like any other stressful life event, can trigger an episode of depression.

Symptoms of depression can include:

• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Aches and pains not related to a physical cause
• Persistent sadness
• Suicidal thoughts

Grief has some symptoms in common with depression, like:

• Intense sadness
• Sleep problems
• Lower appetite
• Weight loss

The big difference between the two is that grief typically decreases over time and tends to occur in waves often set off by reminders of the cause. Depression is more likely to be a consistent ebb of feelings that don’t necessarily worsen with a trigger or lighten in the trigger’s absence. Another difference is found in the need for treatment. Feeling and experiencing grief can be a powerful and helpful part of healing from experience, whereas ongoing depression can lead to serious complications that can even be life-threatening.

Grief may be different for each person, and how you grieve is entirely personal. There is no right or wrong way to experience grief.

Grief doesn’t usually require medical intervention but can benefit from it in some circumstances. These circumstances include grief resulting in anxiety that interferes with daily life and sleep difficulties sourced from the grief that causes extreme exhaustion. Grief and experiences of loss may be helped by processing and support in the therapy setting.

If you’re concerned about feelings you’re experiencing, talk with your doctor or licensed mental health professional. Talking things through with a professional you trust can help you make the distinction and get you moving toward healing or treatment, if necessary.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and help from a trained crisis counselor. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.