I realized, a long time ago, that I was depressed – once someone pointed out to me that I was depressed, that is. I talked to my therapist about medications, but she called it “situational” depression as opposed to clinical (chronic) depression. She believed that, once the situation resolved, the depression would too. I continued talk therapy and, over time, the situation changed and I pulled out of the depression.
Years later though, I still closely monitor where I am at when depressing hardships come. But while depression is a reality, so is sadness. And the two are not the same thing. Too much grief can lead to depression but sitting in your grief does not mean you are depressed. It does not mean there is something wrong with you, something that needs to be addressed and fixed immediately.
Grief means you are suffering.
And suffering just needs to be experienced.
Grief needs to be sat with for however long it sticks around and again during those times when it suddenly returns for a visit.
Fighting it, ignoring it, trying to rush it along – those things only make it more determined to stay and pop out when you least expect it.