Final answer:
Major depression is a mental illness with a symptomatology that extends beyond normal grief, associated with significant losses such as the death of a loved one. The emotional reactions of loss and the five stages of grief provide a framework to understand the complex and personal nature of grief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major depression is a mental illness characterized by prolonged periods of sadness. It involves the emotional reactions of loss to the death of loved ones or significant life changes and can result in a range of symptoms, such as pervasive sadness, sleeping and eating issues, and feelings of hopelessness. Though often considered a natural part of the grieving process, major depression must be distinguished from normal grief, as it is more intense and lasts longer.
It is important to recognize the impact of losing someone close, like a grandparent or other relative, especially for teenagers and young adults. This can be their first encounter with grief, which is a psychological and social response to feelings of loss. The five stages of grief, proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, can serve as a framework for understanding this process, although not everyone will experience these stages in the same order or intensity.
The reaction to loss is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including individual coping mechanisms and cultural or religious beliefs. Not everyone facing death or the loss of a loved one will respond with negative emotions, and some may find solace in religious or spiritual beliefs.