There are three types of emotional responses that can seem similar but are, in fact, quite different. Stress and grief are emotional responses; depression is a psychiatric disorder. While there are ways to help work through grief and stress, they will often resolve on their own over time. Depression, however, requires medication and/or a mental health professional to treat this disorder. Having a clear idea of the three processes can help you determine when or if to seek treatment. The following chart lists the definitions, symptoms and treatments of all three and will help you decide if you should seek treatment.

Understanding the Differences Between Emotional Responses

 

 
Grief
(Emotional Response)
Depression
(Psychiatric Disorder)
Stress Reaction
(Emotional Response)

Definition

NOT a psychiatric disorder

A common, intense and painful reaction to loss, death of a loved one, family member or friend

A psychiatric disorder

At least 2 weeks of depressed mood and/or loss of interest in regular, daily activities

NOT a psychiatric disorder

A “normal” reaction to a disaster, trauma or highly stressful life event

Time of Onset/

Symptom Duration

Symptoms generally occur immediately, 1 month after, and up to 1 year from time of loss

Symptoms occur consecutively for at least 2 weeks, uninterrupted

Diagnosis may be delayed for 2 months after traumatic event to distinguish from grief

Symptoms occur immediately after and may continue for a period of time after event

Symptoms

Numbness

Loneliness

Sadness

Guilt

Shock

Anxiety

Anger

Agitation

Crying

Insomnia

Restlessness

Withdrawal

Depressed mood

Loss of pleasure of interest in ordinary activities

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness

Loss of energy or fatigue

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Restlessness or irritability

Changes in sleep patterns

Changes in appetite or weight

Thoughts of death or suicide

Disbelief and shock

Irritability and anger

Sadness

Feeling powerless

Feeling indecisive

Crying

Headaches or stomach problems

Difficulty sleeping

Treatments

Talk about/share feelings

Tolerate emotions

Allow time to pass

Occasionally, seek counseling

Symptomatic or brief course of medication

Medication

Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Group therapy

Support groups

Crisis intervention

Hospitalization

Alleviate emotional distress

Promote problem-solving techniques

When comfortable, getting back into “usual routine”

Seek counseling, if necessary

 

Prepared by Douglas Jacobs, MD.  Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; American Psychiatric Association:  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition.