In anxiety therapy, one of the most common (and surprising) conversations people have is about how easily happiness can be confused with anxiety. The two emotions can feel remarkably similar in the body, which often leads to confusion, self-doubt, and unnecessary worry.

Understanding the difference between a temporary emotional feeling and clinical depression is helpful for many people. While both experiences can feel overwhelming, they are not the same—and knowing the difference can help you decide when to seek counseling for depression.

Simply put, grief activates the body’s stress response. Loss can feel threatening to your sense of safety, stability, and attachment. When that happens, your nervous system shifts into survival mode.