Grief, Loss and Depression - San Francisco Bay Area Psychotherapy: Adolescent, Adult, Couple, and Family Therapy

Grief, Loss and Depression

Grief over the loss of a loved one is a normal process. Working through the loss, or 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- or long-time. Children's grief is based on several factors including the age and developmental stage of the child, and how much adult support is available.

Common feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with grief are:

sadness

anger

guilt

anxiety

loneliness

fatigue

helplessness

shock

yearning

relief

numbness

disbelief

confusion

pre-occupation

sleep problems

appetite problems

absent-mindedness

social withdrawal

avoidance of reminders of deceased

sighing

crying

restlessness

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.

Kirsten works with individuals, couples and families to facilitate the normal mourning process, and to evaluate whether your feelings are related to depression.