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Suggest Treatment For Depression Due To Loss Of Family Member
Hi,
I am a 61 yr old female. I am taking a multi-vitamin, 25mg hydrochlorathyazide, and .25 mg Alprazolam at bedtime. My mom passed away 5-30 of 2014. I understand that the holidays would be different this year for me, but I can't seem to get past the sadness. I cry easily. When invited to social things, I back out at the last minute and just can't be around big groups of people. This has gone on since before Thanksgiving. I have always felt myself to be more of an extrovert, but feel myself pulling away from people. I don't know if I should go on some medication to get me over this hump, or just tough it out. If I should, what would you recommend? Thank you for your time.
I am a 61 yr old female. I am taking a multi-vitamin, 25mg hydrochlorathyazide, and .25 mg Alprazolam at bedtime. My mom passed away 5-30 of 2014. I understand that the holidays would be different this year for me, but I can't seem to get past the sadness. I cry easily. When invited to social things, I back out at the last minute and just can't be around big groups of people. This has gone on since before Thanksgiving. I have always felt myself to be more of an extrovert, but feel myself pulling away from people. I don't know if I should go on some medication to get me over this hump, or just tough it out. If I should, what would you recommend? Thank you for your time.
Fri, 16 Jan 2015
hi,
welcome to HCM.
Well, grief after passing away of a family member is absolutely a normal phenomenon, rather a lack of which is considered not normal. The complain that you have presented here is very much suggestive of a normal grief reaction. Scientific literature suggests, that a normal grief should last for upto 6 month period, it's persistence beyond six months is considered morbid. However the presentation and its duration may vary with cultural influences.
Important here is to look for any associated symptoms of extreme low mood, suicidal ideation, etc, in case of which psychiatric assistance is required.
I would suggest, that there is nothing major reason to be concerned at present, try to be with family friends and keep yourself busy in activities, be social, eat well and sleep well. However, if the symptoms still persist to bother, I would suggest you to see a local psychiatrist.
welcome for further suggestions.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
welcome to HCM.
Well, grief after passing away of a family member is absolutely a normal phenomenon, rather a lack of which is considered not normal. The complain that you have presented here is very much suggestive of a normal grief reaction. Scientific literature suggests, that a normal grief should last for upto 6 month period, it's persistence beyond six months is considered morbid. However the presentation and its duration may vary with cultural influences.
Important here is to look for any associated symptoms of extreme low mood, suicidal ideation, etc, in case of which psychiatric assistance is required.
I would suggest, that there is nothing major reason to be concerned at present, try to be with family friends and keep yourself busy in activities, be social, eat well and sleep well. However, if the symptoms still persist to bother, I would suggest you to see a local psychiatrist.
welcome for further suggestions.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
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Hello thanks for choosing HCM for your health related queries
I am sorry for your loss. You are 61 and have just lost your mother and thats a big loss. It is common in individuals to develop grief reaction after loss of some loved ones. In most cases the symptoms usually don't progress beyond 6 months and individuals learn to adjust themselves. Around 7 months has passed and still you have symptoms of crying spells, poor social interaction etc. These symptoms could be occurring due to mild to moderate depression. As these are persisting so I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment and evaluation of your symptoms.
In normal cases cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling helps to reduce the trauma of loss. In others medicines like SSRIs are needed to come out of depression. Commonly Sertraline, Citalopram etc medicines are used for such symptoms. Consult a psychiatrist for prescription of the drugs.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care.
I am sorry for your loss. You are 61 and have just lost your mother and thats a big loss. It is common in individuals to develop grief reaction after loss of some loved ones. In most cases the symptoms usually don't progress beyond 6 months and individuals learn to adjust themselves. Around 7 months has passed and still you have symptoms of crying spells, poor social interaction etc. These symptoms could be occurring due to mild to moderate depression. As these are persisting so I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment and evaluation of your symptoms.
In normal cases cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling helps to reduce the trauma of loss. In others medicines like SSRIs are needed to come out of depression. Commonly Sertraline, Citalopram etc medicines are used for such symptoms. Consult a psychiatrist for prescription of the drugs.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care.
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