One of the most difficult situations you can go through in life is coping with the death of a loved one. Whether it’s sudden or unexpected there’s no real way to plan for the emotional fallout that occurs when you lose someone you love. While it is common for people to experience several stages of grief after a loss, this grief can sometimes turn into depression. Following is some helpful advice you can use to help you cope and manage your depression after experiencing the death of a loved one.
Recognize the Signs of Depression
Another term for depression that develops after the death of a loved one is “complicated grief.” Most people are able to resolve their feelings of grief after several weeks, however, some people face significant challenges which may ultimately manifest as depression. Some of the most common signs are:
- Preoccupation with the loss
- Anger and bitterness regarding the loss
- The inability to accept that they are truly gone
- Thoughts of their death overshadows any positive memories
- Continuously longing for your loved one to be alive
- Difficulty finding meaning in your life again
- Avoiding reminders of their death
How to Treat and Manage Symptoms of Depression After Loss
Coping with the death of a loved one alone can feel extremely isolating. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage your depression so you can start feeling better and heal from your loss:
- Seek professional help – Talk therapy can be an effective tool in your battle with depression. There is no shame in reaching out for professional help. Be sure to find a counselor or therapist who has experience in working with bereavement and depression.
- Reach out to loved ones – Pick up the phone and let your friends know how you are feeling. While grief is an intensely personal matter, it is reassuring to hear that you’ve got support from those you love.
- Find a support group – Unfortunately, everyone will experience a significant loss in their lifetimes. There are many support groups available for those who are having a hard time coping with loss. If you’re near Sydney funeral directors are familiar with the various support groups and networks that are locally available. Give them a call and they can provide you with information on what options are available to you.
- Consider pharmacological treatment – If you’re having a particularly difficult time getting over your grief, you may want to consider making an appointment with your doctor to see if prescription antidepressants may be right for you.
Coping with the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, however, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. By knowing how to recognize the signs of depression and how to find the right tools to help you cope, you can overcome this challenging time in your life and start feeling better.
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
