The negative feelings of demoralization and grief, unlike those of depression, do the following: Occur in waves that tend to be tied to thoughts or reminders of the inciting event Resolve when circumstances or events improve May be interspersed with periods of positive emotion and humor Are not accompanied by pervasive feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing The low mood usually lasts days rather than weeks or months, and suicidal thoughts and prolonged loss of function are much less likely.