If I have lost a loved one, can I go into depression? Can I be grieving if no death has occurred? Can grief evolve into depression?
Depression and grief are terms that usually appear together and, although both refer to states of intense sadness, they are not the same nor are they addressed in the same way in psychotherapy.
Grief is a psychological process that is activated after a significant loss, whether of a family member, a partner, financial ruin, a recently acquired illness or disability, a job or simply an expectation. Therefore, it is a process where you become aware of the new reality, after an unexpected and painful change. Sometimes, grief can become complicated and become chronic grief or "unresolved grief", which must also be approached as a process of loss, taking into account the resistance that has been activated to hold on to the memory.
Depression does not have to occur after a specific event, in fact, it is often difficult to identify the origin (commonly gradual, with multiple factors). It entails a state of intense, persistent and continuous sadness. Although it may have a clinical manifestation similar to grief, it is important to differentiate some aspects:
GRIEF | DEPRESSION |
The pain appears in waves. "Pangs of pain" when remember. | The pain is present continuosly. |
Predominant feeling: emptiness. | Predominant feeling: hopelessness. |
Concrete cognitive content, related to loss. | Broad cognitive content, negative thoughts on various topics. |
In both cases, psychological support is beneficial so that the process evolves favorably. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have identified yourself, we will evaluate your case and adapt a therapy according to your needs.
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