Grief vs. Depression: Which Is It?

Understanding the difference is important for getting help

Verywell / Alison Czinkota

Grief and depression are similaremotional responses.

That said, each is also a distinct experience.

Understanding the differences in grief vs. depression is important for knowing how to best treat their symptoms.

At a Glance

Grief and depression involve intense feelings of sadness.

However, grief tends to lessen over time while depression does not.

There are also diagnostic and presentation differences.

Help is possible for each, with treatment options often including medication, therapy, or both.

Symptoms of grief often include separation anxiety, confusion, and obsessively living in the past.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Depression is defined by the APA as “extreme sadness or despair that lasts more than days.

Depression also sometimes leads to cognitive issues.

This can make it difficult to distinguish between the two.

One similarity is their cause.

The same is true with depression.

This is referred to assituational depression.

There are symptom similarities as well.

However, the DSM-5 recognizes that while grief and MDD are distinct, they can also coexist.

What’s more, just as with other stressful experiences, grief can sometimes trigger a major depressive episode.

PGD symptoms are disruptive to a person’s everyday functioning and ability to reintegrate into life.

Depression, on the other hand, tends to be present no matter the circumstances.

Someone with depression doesn’t necessarily feel the urge to do anything or see anyone.

It works by helping us process what we are feeling while also teaching useffective coping skills.

IPT focuses on resolving symptoms, building relationships, and getting involved in mood-boosting activities.

It can also help us learn how to maintain a healthy attachment to loved ones we have lost.

Medication

Antidepressants are a class ofmedications used to treat depression.

A physician or psychiatrist might also prescribe an antidepressant for individuals experiencing extreme and disruptive symptoms of grief.

Many mental health professionals recommend attending a support group with people who are facing or have faced similar challenges.

It’s important to remember that grief is not a sign of weakness.

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