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Grief, Loss
and Depression Grief and
loss can put people at risk of becoming depressed. While the
signs and symptoms of grief and loss are similar, it's important
to recognise the differences so the affected person can receive
the most appropriate help.
What is
Loss?
The death of a loved one is a common
situation that causes grief. However, when there are big changes
in a persons
life, it can sometimes feel as if
something has been taken away. Losses can be large or small and
the effect of multiple
losses builds up.
Common
experiences of loss:
relationship changes separation,
divorce, death of a loved one
job changes unemployment,
retrenchment, retirement or demotion
change of role e.g. children leaving
home
becoming a carer or being a parent,
partner or sibling of a person with an illness/disability and
having ones freedom
restricted
loss of health through illness,
disability and/or ageing
miscarriage, infertility
disappointment at not being able to have a child
separation from family and friends
e.g. moving interstate or overseas.
What is
Grief?
When a person experiences a significant
loss, its usually followed by a period of grief. Grief has no
set pattern and
the length and severity of each grief
experience is different for everyone. There are however, common
reactions and
responses:
shock, feeling of numbness
disbelief It cant be real.
confusion and trying to make sense of it
Why has this happened to me?
anger feeling deserted
pining and yearning wanting whatever
was lost to be returned
guilt I wish I had done things
differently.
a sense of isolation and fear at facing
the rest of life alone.
The experience of grief is normal, but
its still painful and a person experiencing grief needs
support. If grief is not
recognised and acknowledged, it can fester
and have a detrimental effect on a persons health and
well-being.
Is this Depression?
It can sometimes be
difficult to know whether:
you are just
feeling down because you are experiencing grief and loss
or you have
symptoms of depression.
Depression can
certainly be triggered by loss and it may share symptoms with
grief, such as difficulty controlling
emotions and moods,
feeling teary and tired however, its important to recognise
the difference between normal
grieving and
depression.
Depression is more
than just a low mood or feeling sad. A person is likely to be
depressed if:
they get no
enjoyment from any aspect of life
its difficult to
do things like getting up in the morning
they have no
energy and drive
they are avoiding
people
theyre not
looking after themselves properly eating, washing etc
they feel ashamed
or guilty.
Depression can be readily diagnosed
and treated.
For more information
Download a copy of beyond blue fact sheet:
Grief, Loss & Depression.
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