Yes there would appear on the face of it to be similarities between bereavement-related depression and prolonged grief, yet they are quite distinct. For example the risk factors, course, outcomes and treatments for each of these disorders differs. For prolonged grief the issues center on yearning and pining and longing for the person who died, the person who made the bereaved survivor feel safe, secure, worthy. Life without this person feels hopeless and bleak, lacks meaning and purpose. There is a sense of emotional detachment and numbness and disconnection from others, disbelief about the death, and a feeling of being adrift. The focus of treatment is on promoting a sense of identity, wholeness, safety and security to move on and even to enjoy connecting with others. Attachment issues are salient and there is a need to promote a secure base and sense of self and once that is established engagement in a more rewarding life may be possible.