Differences in Grief and Depression

March 15, 2024

When you lose a loved one, there are a series of emotions that can go through your head and it may seem like those negative feelings may last forever. For many, their season of grief ends and they can return to normal life in time.

When you lose a loved one, there are a series of emotions that can go through your head and it seems like those negative feelings may last forever. For many, their season of grief ends and they can return to normal life. For some that grief takes root and stays longer, yet for others they have even more issues healing from the trauma of loss.


In this article, we're going to highlight terminology that sometimes gets used incorrectly. Grief is a feeling covering a wide variety of emotions that immediately follows the loss of a loved one. Chronic grief is a season of grief that continues on longer than is typically expected. Depression and depressive periods are periods of time where negative emotions begin to influence day to day life in unfavorable ways. Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain leading to symptoms that look a lot like grieving but extend far longer than normal. Clinical depression is a medical condition that can only be truly diagnosed by a trained therapist. It can be treated with therapy and prescription medication.


Often times, grief looks like depression from the outside looking in. The two conditions do share many similarities like sadness, lack of interest in things that the person would normally enjoy and feeling distant and withdrawn from others. The key differences between the two are mostly time and severity. Most grieve for up to a year but some do not need that much time. Anything past a year is often considered to be a depressive period or episode. Severity is also an indicator of difference. If at any point in time the symptoms go beyond just sadness and being withdrawn to thoughts or acts of self-harm, threats of violence or extreme mood swings, then this a more serious issue. Only a trained medical professional can properly diagnose depression.


Grief is not the same as depression and clinical depression is not grief. Can the loss of a loved one exacerbate the symptoms of depression? Yes. Can depression make grieving more severe? Yes. But the two are not the same and knowing the difference can help you and those around you better cope and move forward.

Want to Ask a Question?

Navigating Changes in Burial Plans: What to Do When You No Longer Need a Funeral Plot

March 25, 2024
Life's journey is marked by unexpected twists and turns, and with them, our plans and priorities can change. One such plan that often undergoes revision is the choice of a final resting place. Many individuals purchase cemetery plots with the best intentions, but circumstances can evolve, leading to a situation where that plot is no longer needed. Whether it's a shift in burial preferences, relocation, or changes in family dynamics, knowing what steps to take in such a scenario is crucial. In this article, we will explore the compassionate and practical considerations surrounding what to do if you find yourself no longer in need of a cemetery plot you've previously acquired.

Crafting a Unique Farewell: Personalizing Funeral Services

March 25, 2024
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences. During such a time, the funeral service plays a significant role in helping families cope with their grief and say their final goodbyes. Personalizing a funeral service allows families to create a meaningful and memorable event that reflects the unique personality and life of the deceased.

Sending Flowers to a Funeral: A Thoughtful Gesture of Comfort

March 25, 2024
When it comes to expressing condolences and offering comfort to grieving families, few gestures are as universally understood and appreciated as sending flowers to a funeral. In this article, we will offer expert advice and guidance on how to select and send the perfect flowers to a funeral. Whether you're a family member, friend, or colleague, this guide will help you express your sympathy and support in a meaningful way.

Sharing Sympathy on Social Media: Etiquette and Guidelines

March 25, 2024
In our ever-evolving digital world, the way we communicate has transformed drastically. This includes how we offer condolences when someone loses a loved one. Social media platforms have become a common space for expressing sympathy and offering support during times of grief. However, it's essential to do so with care and respect. In this article, we'll delve into the etiquette of sharing condolences on social media.

Guiding Light: Small Daily Steps for Navigating Grief and Loss

March 25, 2024
Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging and painful experiences a person can endure. Dealing with the death of a family member or close friend can be overwhelming, and the journey of healing is deeply personal. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating grief, there are small daily steps that can help you cope and gradually find your way towards healing. This article will provide guidance on these daily steps, drawing upon our staff's expertise in funeral services, grief counseling, and compassion for those who are grieving.

Choosing the Right Guests: Who Should Be Invited to a Funeral?

March 25, 2024
The process of planning a funeral is undoubtedly challenging, as it involves not only making arrangements for the deceased but also deciding who should attend the service. The guest list is a crucial aspect of any funeral, as it plays a significant role in ensuring that the event is meaningful and provides support to grieving friends and family members.

Selecting the Perfect Headstone: A Guide to Honoring Your Loved One

March 25, 2024
In the wake of a loved one's passing, the process of saying goodbye can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. Besides the grief of losing someone near and dear, loved ones are faced with planning a funeral and burial. Among the many decisions that need to be made, choosing the right headstone is a deeply personal and significant choice.

Taking a Child to a Funeral: Considerations and Insights

March 25, 2024
In the solemn and emotionally charged context of a funeral, the question of whether it's a good idea to bring a child is one that many families grapple with. Taking a child to a funeral can teach them about empathy and the importance of supporting loved ones during difficult times, fostering emotional growth and understanding that will serve them throughout life. It also allows them to find closure after the passing of someone close. On the other hand, it may be advisable to avoid taking a child to a funeral if they are too young to understand death or mourn appropriately or if it risks causing distress.

The Significance of Funerals: Honoring Deceased Loved Ones

March 25, 2024
Funerals serve to honor the deceased, provide closure, and support grieving individuals. They offer a structured space for emotional expression, memory-sharing, and cultural or religious traditions. Funerals have deep historical roots, originating in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome. These rituals evolved to honor and remember the deceased, often with religious or cultural significance. Over centuries, funeral customs adapted, reflecting changing beliefs and attitudes toward death, but the core purpose of paying tribute endures.

Embracing Eternal Bonds: The Healing Power of Memorial Jewelry

March 25, 2024
In the realm of funeral and memorial services, one of the most poignant and personal ways to remember a departed loved one is through memorial jewelry. More than just an accessory, memorial jewelry is a tangible connection to the past and a source of comfort in the present. Join us as we delve into the myriad benefits of memorial jewelry, a cherished companion on the path of remembrance and healing.
More Posts