Help for Depression Related to Death

Grieving after you lose a loved one is completely normal. You may feel sad, angry, guilty, afraid and shocked. Some people take longer than others to heal, and everyone grieves in a different way. However, when grief turns into depression it can become serious. Symptoms of depression related to grief include hopelessness, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide and an inability to work or socialize.

Therapy

• If you think that you're struggling with depression due to the death of a friend or family member, you should seek help from a licensed mental health professional. Depending on your level of depression, you may need weekly or twice-weekly sessions along with group treatment. There are support groups for bereavement facilitated by professionals who have been trained in bereavement. Your therapist can recommend support groups in your area.

Medication

• Medication may be recommended for someone who is having thoughts of suicide or is struggling with major depression due to a death. Medication will only help the person be able to deal with her feelings. It won't make the feelings of loss go away, so participating in talk therapy is still critical. If someone is actively suicidal, he should call 911 or go to his local psychiatric emergency room.

Support

• Anyone dealing with grief will need other types of support other than therapy. Turn to loved ones and friends for support and assistance. Let them know what you need, and allow them to comfort you. If you're religious, continuing to participate in the activities that are important to you, like praying and attending church. Ask for support from your religious leader.

Self-Help

• Don't run from your feelings of grief. Instead, allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you're feeling. Talk to your therapist, loved ones and religious leader about your feelings. Don't try to escape from your feelings with alcohol or drugs. Take care of yourself physically. You need to continue to sleep, eat and shower regularly. If you're unable to do these basic things, you should seek help from a professional.

  Getting motivated to exercise is hard to do when you're depressed, but it can be more helpful than taking antidepressants. Try to make yourself exercise each day. Go hiking with a friend, return to your Tuesday-night kick-boxing class and do yoga in the evenings.

Triggers

• Know that you're going to be triggered by certain dates like the person's birthday or date of death. Plan to take care of yourself around these days. For example, plan to meet with your therapist on the specific date or go away for the weekend with your girlfriends. If you're depressed, these dates can intensify it if you don't prepare for them, and if you're recovering from depression, they could trigger its return.