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Depression After the Death of a Spouse

Following the death of a spouse, a widow or widower is likely to experience a certain amount of depression during the bereavement period. Depression can be part of a normal expression of grief for some people, but others might experience severe and prolonged symptoms of depression, indicating the presence of a major depressive illness. Depression after the death of a spouse can be treated with medications and psychotherapy.

  1. Bereavement

    • Bereavement refers to the period of sadness someone experiences when a loved one or spouse dies. According to HealthyPlace.com, bereavement typically involves feelings of denial, anger, sadness and guilt. The bereavement period also might involve symptoms of depression for some widows and widowers.

    Depression

    • According to the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Quarterly, depression is common after the death of spouse; however, most cases are not severe enough to be considered major depression. Major depression, also referred to as clinical depression, is a mental disorder that features prolonged periods of sadness and withdrawal. According to Medline Plus, some cases of major depression may be caused by stressful life events, such as the death of a spouse.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of depression are severe and noticeably different from a person's normal behavior, even when the person is sad or in a bad mood. Symptoms of depression can include persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, appetite changes with corresponding weight loss or gain, and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Those experiencing depression after the death of a spouse also might have chronic pain and withdraw from friends and social situations.

    Considerations

    • According to research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, depression is common following the death of a spouse, and might be experienced most often by "young widows and widowers" and those with a history of major depression.

    Time Frame

    • Recovering from the depression that follows the death of a spouse can take a long time. According to the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Quarterly, symptoms of depression that last approximately one year after the death of a spouse may be an indicator of a depressive illness, as opposed to a normal expression of grief.

    Treatment

    • Depression following the death of a spouse is a treatable condition. Symptoms may be managed through antidepressant medications or counseling. According to Medline Plus, selective serotnin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, are the most commonly used type of antidepressant. Therapy--including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis or participation in a support group--also might help widows and widowers deal with depression. .

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