Is grief considered a mental disorder?

No. Normal grief is a healthy response to loss lasting months. DSM-5 removed the bereavement exclusion, allowing depression diagnosis concurrent with grief.

When does grief become depression?

If intense depressive symptoms persist 12+ months post-loss, include suicidal thoughts or complete worthlessness, or severely impair functioning, professional help is needed.

What's complicated grief?

Complicated grief involves prolonged intense yearning, difficulty accepting death, and functional impairment. It's a distinct condition requiring specialized treatment.

Can grief and depression co-occur?

Yes. Losing a loved one can trigger major depression. The two conditions can overlap, and both may require treatment.

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Depression vs Grief: Understanding Bereavement and Loss

Peter Kolomiets

|March 26, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min

Depression vs Grief: Understanding Bereavement and Loss

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References

Shear MK, Simon N, Wall M (2011). Grief as a Mental Health Condition: Proposed Diagnostic Criteria
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)