What is the difference between grief and depression?

Normal grief is not considered a psychological disorder, however, depression is a disorder that requires treatment.
Professional help is available for depression and should be sought if the bereaved is preoccupied with death, experiences thoughts of suicide, has severe feelings of guilt, experiences a decreased enjoyment in activities, is unable to function or has persistent feelings of worthlessness.

Although the sadness and sorrow of normal grief is often mistaken as depression, one of the key distinguishing factors is that with depression, rather than connecting your feelings and reactions to a specific loss, your emotions relate to all facets of your life. You rarely enjoy any activity and have few positive thoughts. You may also experience many of the emotions of normal grief, but rather than coming in waves, they remain constant despite any comfort and support you may receive from others.

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After the death of a close friend or family member, many people report trouble sleeping and eating, little interest in daily routines, tearful outbursts, sadness, and irritability or anger. All of these symptoms can be signs of depression or simply part of healthy grieving. How can you tell the difference?

When you're grieving, it's normal to feel somewhat depressed and to experience waves of intense feelings. But feeling occasionally depressed differs from sinking into a clinical depression. Up to 50% of widows and widowers have symptoms typical of major depression during the first few months after a spouse's death. Usually, this eases over time. A review noted that 15% of people are depressed at the one-year mark. By two years, this dwindles to 7%. A personal or family history of depression may put you at greater risk of major depression when bereaved.

While the vast majority of people will pass through grief without needing professional help, you should seek treatment for serious or long-lasting symptoms of depression that interfere with daily life. Talk with your doctor or a mental health professional if you have suicidal thoughts or experience any of these other symptoms of bereavement-related depression:

• persistent feelings of worthlessness, which is generally felt with depression but not with healthy grief
• ongoing guilt
• marked mental and physical sluggishness
• persistent trouble functioning
• hallucinations, other than occasionally thinking you hear or see the deceased

Small studies suggest that psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both may ease symptoms of depression associated with grief.