Post Loss Grief vs. Depression

For those of us who have lost a loved one, the fall out and realization of their absence can be as intense as your bond with the person. What’s healthy grieving behavior? Is there a “normal” time period to grieve? These are just two of the many questions that surround the subject of loss. NPR posted an interesting article yesterday on the change in the clinical definition of “normal” emotional pain, Grief, after a death vs. Depression. While the definitions may be subjective to you and I, the experts have agreed and have formally changed the very definitions.

What underlies a lot of this discussion is: Is it harmful to interrupt a normal grief process by medicating? -Holly Prigerson, a researcher at Harvard University who studies bereavement

I'd rather make the mistake of calling someone depressed who may not be depressed than missing the diagnosis of depression, not treating it, and having that person kill themselves. - Dr. Sid Zisook

If you’re interested to read more, refer to Is Emotional Pain Necessary?