Depression After Losing a Spouse

Depression after losing a spouse, for any reason, is not abnormal. Depression is a mental illness, but it can have its roots in situational problems. Grief is a stressful experience and can greatly affect a person's outlook on life. It is important for family members and friends to actively support anyone who has lost a spouse.

Depression

• Depression, also known as major depression, is a mental illness that affects a person both physically and psychologically. Depression involves consistent and persistently low mood, feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, lack of energy and interest in daily life, social withdrawal and other symptoms like sleep problems and changes in appetite. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression has its roots in chemical imbalances in the brain. But traumatic or stressful situations like the loss of a spouse can contribute to these chemical changes and result in depression.

Significance

• When someone loses a spouse, they may very well experience depression. People need to be supported during the grieving process. If people withdraw completely after losing a spouse, loved ones will not know if they are experiencing depression if they do not interact with them. It is very important to have a social support network after such a dramatic event, especially if depression symptoms are involved, since depression can lead to self-harm or suicide.

Death of a Spouse

• Losing a spouse due to death is a devastating and life-altering experience. Depression symptoms may not present themselves immediately, since a person may initially be in shock after a spouse dies. Once the shock is over, people still may be in denial about the death. Depression is, to a certain extent, normal when someone loses a spouse. If you lose a spouse to death, it is important to prevent long-term depression by talking about the grief, taking care of yourself and getting adequate social support.

Divorce

• People also grieve and may experience depression when they go through a divorce. Social support is important during this time, too. Just as in the case of the death of a spouse, divorce can be particularly stressful since it can upset every aspect of life, including finances, residence and child visitation. Grieving is normal, but if a person finds it impossible to move on after a divorce and continually experiences symptoms of depression, they should seek help.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• In the event of the death of a spouse or a divorce, counseling is always recommended. Support groups, especially, can help people feel less alone and become inspired to move on with their lives. But if you think you are experiencing symptoms of depression, and especially if you have even considered suicide, it is important to visit your doctor. The depression may end after you have moved through the stages of grief. But a physician can help refer you to counseling and prescribe anti-depressant medication that will get you through the difficult time.