While grief and depression may be similar in many ways, theyare two distinct conditions and it’s important to distinguish between the two.There is no medical treatment for grief except for time, but depression can andshould be treated. The two conditions can sometimes occur together, so it’simportant to know when to get help for possible depression.

Grief

Grief occurs as a result of loss. We commonly think of deathwhen we think of grief, but grief can arise in response to any form of loss,including the end of a relationship or losing a job. Grief can causeoverwhelming pain, but people who are grieving usually have moments when theycan be consoled, and they can still see beauty in the world - even though theirsadness.

In the grip of grief, people may feel a variety of emotions,including sadness, fear, confusion, denial, anger, guilt and shame. Physicalsymptoms include upset stomach, loss of appetite, headache, aches and pains,fatigue, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and chest pain. (Note, however, thatchest pain should always be examined by a doctor. It’s impossible to tell thedifference between heart disease and chest pain from grief without a medical examination.) 

There is no timeline for grief, and it can take a year ormore for the most intense symptoms of grief to pass. Over time, the emotional intensity of grief will calm down, and the bereaved will slowly regain hope andinterest in life - even though remembering and mourning the deceased may continue through life.

Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness that affectsemotions, thought patterns, and behavior, as well as causing various physicalproblems. The physical symptoms of depression include:

• Sadness

• A loss of pleasure in daily activities (anhedonia)

• Loss of appetite, or a new-found tendency to overeat

• Digestive upset, abdominal pain/discomfort, and/or changesin bowel habits

• Headaches, back/neck aches, and/or general muscle pain

• Changes in sleep patterns, whether trouble sleeping orsleeping too much

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness

• Thoughts of suicide

Depression symptoms must last at least two weeks in order tomake a diagnosis.

While many of these symptoms are similar to the symptoms ofgrief, a couple of key differences stand out. In depression, patients can feel worthless or lack self-esteem. Grief typically does not change a person’s senseof self-esteem. In addition, a person who is grieving can recognize that thereis wonder and joy in the world, and will have moments of happiness - howeverbrief. In depression, however, patients often feel as if there is no joy, hopeor beauty in the world, or they may experience the world as grey or colorless.

When to Seek Help

Any time you are struggling with overwhelming emotional orphysical symptoms, consult your doctor. Depression is a serious medicalcondition that requires treatment. Fortunately, many effective treatmentsexist.