The term depression is often used to describe the low or discouraged mood that results from disappointments (eg, financial calamity, natural disaster, serious illness) or losses (eg, death of a loved one). However, better terms for such moods are demoralization and grief. The negative feelings of demoralization and grief, unlike those of depression, do the following:

Occur in waves that tend to be tied to thoughts or reminders of the inciting event

Resolve when circumstances or events improve

May be interspersed with periods of positive emotion and humor

Are not accompanied by pervasive feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing

The low mood usually lasts days rather than weeks or months, and suicidal thoughts and prolonged loss of function are much less likely.

However, events and stressors that cause demoralization and grief can also precipitate a major depressive episode, particularly in vulnerable people (eg, those with a past history or family history of major depression).

Last Updated on: Jul 03, 2024