Normal Grief V.S Clinical depression

Self-esteem intact

Normal Greif

Self-esteem is disturbed

Clinical Depression

May openly express anger

Normal Greif

Experiences a mixture of “good and bad days”

Normal Greif

Able to experience moments of pleasure

Normal Greif

Accepts comfort and support from others

Normal Greif

Maintains feeling of hope

Normal Greif

May express guilt feelings over some aspect of the loss

Normal Greif

Relates feelings of depression to specific loss experienced

Normal Greif

May experience transient physical symptoms

Normal Greif

Usually does not directly express anger

Clinical Depression

Persistent state of dysphoria

Clinical Depression

Anhedonia is prevalent

Clinical Depression

Does not respond to social interaction and support from others

Clinical Depression

Feelings of hopelessness prevail

Clinical Depression

Has generalized feelings of guilt

Clinical Depression

Does not relate feelings to a particular experience

Clinical Depression

Expresses chronic physical complaints

Clinical Depression