Kirsten Beuthin, LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Grief over loss of a loved one is a normal process. Working through the loss (mourning) is a necessary part of grief and includes accepting the reality of the loss, working through the pain, adjusting to life without the loved one, and re-investing emotional energy to your life. Grieving is an individual process that can be very intense or mild, immediate or delayed, and can last a short time or a long time. Chilrden's grief is based on several factors including the age of the child, their developmental stage (how able they are to process information), and how much adult support is available.
Common feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with grief are:
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What is the difference between grief and depression?
The main difference between grief and depression concerns the presence or absense of self-esteem and guilt. When a person is experiencing depression, there is typically a loss of self-esteem and overall feeling of guilt. This can be somewhat complicated, as some people will experience guilt as a result of the loss of a loved one, but this type of guilt is specific to the event of loss. It is helpful to consider seeking help through counseling if you are unsure about your reactions to the loss or would like support through the mourning process.