Is This Depression or Just Grief?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith takes an honest, compassionate look at one of the most common—and confusing—questions after loss: Is this depression, or just grief?Grief and depression often look and feel alike. Both can bring tears, exhaustion, and a deep sense of emptiness. But while grief is a natural response to loss, depression can linger, intensify, and quietly pull us into isolation and hopelessness.Shaleka breaks down the emotional, physical, and spiritual differences between the two, shares insight on where they overlap, and offers practical tools for recognizing when grief may have crossed into depression. Listeners will also learn:How to tell if your sadness is part of healthy mourning or something deeperWhat symptoms signal the need for professional helpWhy moments of joy in grief are not signs of “getting over it” but signs of healingFaith-based and therapeutic ways to nurture your mental and emotional healthWhether you’re navigating your own pain or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will help you find language, compassion, and clarity for the journey.Support the show