Bereavement, Loss, And Depression In The Elderly

As you age, you experience many losses. Loss is painful—whether it’s a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal and healthy, even if the feelings of sadness last for a long time. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not common.

Is it grief or depression?

Distinguishing between grief and clinical depression isn’t always easy, since they share many symptoms. However, there are ways to tell the difference. Remember, grief is a roller coaster involving a wide variety of emotions and a mix of good and bad days. Even when you’re in the middle of the grieving process, you will have moments of pleasure or happiness. With depression, on the other hand, the feelings of emptiness and despair are constant.

While there’s no set timetable for grieving, if it doesn’t let up over time or extinguishes all signs of joy laughing at a good joke, brightening in response to a hug, appreciating a beautiful sunset it may be depression.

Other symptoms that suggest depression, not just grief:

Ø  Intense, pervasive sense of guilt.

Ø  Thoughts of suicide or a preoccupation with dying.

Ø  Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.    

Ø  Slow speech and body movements.

Ø  Inability to function at work, home, and/or school.

Ø  Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.