Depression Therapy: Grief vs. Depression
Grief is, unfortunately, a universal and inevitable human experience that one will go through at some point in their lifetime. Grief and depression share similarities, which can make it confusing to know if depression therapy or grief counseling is the right path. The main difference between the two is that depression is a consistent and persistent mood disorder that includes particular behaviours required for diagnosis. It is a more personal experience with how one views life and themselves. On the other hand, grief often involves the relationships we once had to something or someone; including, friends, family, jobs/careers, a particular time in one's life, or a loss of identity.
Grief may potentially lead to depression, which is why it is important to recognize the similarities and differences before deciding if Depression Therapy is right for you.
General Indicators of Grief
Grief is marked by a reaction to losing something in your life. It starts with loss and is specifically a response to processing and coping with said loss. This reaction typically takes the form of the popular model for the 5 stages of grief listed below.
Denial: Denial is the difficulty of accepting that a loss has really occurred
Anger: Anger comes from searching for someone or something to blame and using that as an outlet for frustration.
Bargaining: This stage often includes ‘what if’ thoughts, like wondering if something could have been done differently to prevent the loss.
Depression: This stage includes deep sadness, sleep issues, or withdrawal. Unlike clinical depression, grief-related depression is usually tied to external loss. If it lasts too long, however, it may develop into clinical depression.
Acceptance: Acceptance means beginning to embrace the reality of the loss
It is important to note that these stages don’t always happen in order, you may move back and forth before reaching acceptance.
Clinical Depression Treated in Depression Therapy
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the diagnostic term for clinical depression. It is formally diagnosed according to meeting the criteria of 5 or more of the symptoms listed below. The symptoms must also be consistently present for at least two weeks, if not more. The symptoms must also cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and/or other important areas of functioning.
Feelings of sadness or emptiness most of the day, nearly every day.
Loss of interest in activities.
Significant appetite or weight changes.
Insomnia or oversleeping.
Agitation or slowed behavior.
Fatigue and low energy.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Thoughts of death or suicide.Five Sub-Parts Often Linked to Depression
Grief vs. Depression: is Depression Therapy right for you?
Depression therapy is targeted toward clinically depressed individuals who meet the criteria described above. However, an individual experiencing grief, who cannot seem to leave the depression stage for an extended period of time, may also benefit from depression therapy.
A therapist trained in depression therapy can help you understand whether you’re experiencing grief, depression, or both. Contact us today to book a free 15-minute consultation with our depression therapist, Ishara Ramroop, or Alysha Plaggeimeier, who specializes in grief counseling.
