Is it Grief or Clinical Depression?

In some cases, the grief reaction is extreme. Symptoms may include any or all of the following:

• Unintended weight loss or gain of 10 or more pounds
• Ineffectiveness at work
• Inability to function at home
• Loss of interest in things that previously interested you
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Insomnia
• Obsessive thoughts about death or suicide
• Hallucinations

If you feel as though you might hurt yourself or have hallucinations, seek medical attention right away. If other symptoms persist for several weeks, you may be developing clinical depression, an anxiety disorder or another mental health problem. In these cases, get evaluated by a psychotherapist, preferably someone who has a special interest in grief work.

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is talking about committing suicide, homicide, or is abusing drugs or alcohol or is engaging in another destructive behavior. There have been cases where grief-stricken teens have dropped out of school or attempted suicide. It is vital that parents and teachers keep a close eye on bereaved children and consult a mental health professional if the child's behavior becomes extreme or if the child is unable to work through his or her grief over a reasonable period of time.

Related Articles Losing a Parent, Spouse or Child What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving Emotions and Behaviors Associated With Grief What Is Grief?

External Source Hospice Foundation of America

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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