“In mourning, it is the world which has become poor and empty; in melancholia, it is the ego itself.”
— Sigmund Freud
Simplified Meaning:
When someone loses a loved one, they often feel like the world around them has lost its color and meaning; everything seems sad and empty. This is called mourning. Imagine losing your best friend; you'd feel like nothing is fun or joyful anymore because they are gone. On the other hand, melancholia is when the sadness comes from within. It's not that the world has changed, but the person feels empty and worthless inside. Think of a person who is very depressed; they might have everything they need around them, but still feel incredibly sad and empty. If you're mourning, talking about your loss and remembering the good times can help. If you're feeling melancholic, speaking with a therapist or a friend about your feelings can be important. Both situations are difficult, but understanding where the sadness comes from can help you find ways to cope.
