How do I know if my grief after losing my sibling is normal or depression

Mirabai knew something about the difference between devotion that breaks you open and despair that closes you down. Grief after losing a sibling is disorienting—you've lost someone who knew you in a particular way, someone who held part of your history. That rawness is real. Depression often feels like nothing matters, like you're moving through concrete. Grief, even when it's crushing, usually comes in waves. You might have moments where you laugh, where something catches your attention, where the weight lifts briefly. Depression is more a flattening. That said, they often arrive together. Losing a sibling can trigger depression. If you notice you're not sleeping for weeks, can't eat, feel completely numb rather than acutely pained, or have thoughts of harming yourself—those are signs worth talking to someone about, not something to white-knuckle through alone. Mirabai's devotion was examined, not blind. She questioned what she was feeling. You might ask yourself: Am I grieving, or am I drowning? There's a difference. Both deserve attention, but they need different kinds of help. Consider reaching out to a grief counselor or therapist who specializes in sibling loss. Your heart knows the difference.