Grief and depression can look remarkably similar — sadness, fatigue, loss of motivation, changes in sleep — but they are not the same. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer Bartolotta shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband, renowned restaurateur Joe Bartolotta, and how she learned to distinguish between normal grief and clinical depression.
Jennifer discusses how her husband once recognized signs of depression in her, how she built daily spiritual and mental health practices to sustain herself, and why asking for help is not a weakness but an act of courage.
Listeners will learn how to recognize the warning signs that grief may be developing into depression, why having honest friends and a strong support network matters, and what tools can help us through both grief and depression.
This conversation offers comfort, validation, and practical strategies for anyone navigating loss while also tending to their mental health.
Link to Psychology Today article on Grief vs. Depression: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-grief/201203/when-does-grief-become-depression
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and podcast overview
00:59 – How grief and depression overlap but differ
01:38 – Jennifer Bartolotta shares her sudden loss
02:43 – Jennifer’s background and confidence growing up
03:45 – Struggles with authenticity and early signs of depression
04:25 – The moment her husband recognized she needed help
05:55 – Beginning therapy and learning to manage depression
06:39 – Jennifer’s daily spiritual and mental health practices
07:20 – Practicing kindness: making someone smile each day
08:00 – Living through grief after her husband’s death
08:54 – Distinguishing grief from depression with expert insights
10:00 – Holding onto hope and perspective during grief
11:28 – Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
12:30 – The importance of honest friends who notice changes
13:19 – How noticing “something is off” can start healing
14:01 – Psychology Today tips on navigating grief
15:33 – Closing reflections and next week’s preview
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