Suggest Treatment For Depression After Losing Loved Ones

Posted on Sat, 16 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 Answered on

Thu, 24 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : My mother and father died a year ago within 6 months of each other. They both died in my home with me as primary caregiver. I️ did have hospice help. They both died with me in the bed with them telling them to not be scared and that I️ loved them. I️ can’t seem to get past that I️ could have done more. I’m so depressed. Not the wife, mom, or grandmother I️ was.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are suggestive of possible depression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern

I understand that what you are going through is difficult and I am really sorry for your loss. Feelings of depression and guilt are common after the loss of loved one.

However, such symptoms of grief usually resolve in a year. Since your symptoms have lasted for more than a year now, it is best to seek help. You can follow up with a psychotherapist. If psychotherapy alone does not help then treatment with an antidepressant (SSRIs) needs to be initiated.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee