“What can I do to get over my depression at the loss of my pet?”
My dog of 14 years recently died a painful death and his loss has left me completely depressed. He had cancer so we saw it coming, but his last days were extremely sad. What can I do to overcome my grief?
6 Answers
Time heals, try to adopt another pet and divert your attention to the new pet.
It could be helpful to talk to a therapist.
Loss of a loved one (including pets) is a very common and underrated cause of depression.
The trauma from loss of a pet has been known to result in; not only Depression, but PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), in which the individual begins to avoid having pets or dealing with pets, and actually experiences anxiety attacks whenever they run into pets that remind them of their deceased pet.
You will of course, need to have a full Psychiatric evaluation asap; to see whether or not your symptoms warrant a diagnosis and treatment for Depression; which may include Psychotherapy and Medication Management, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
The trauma from loss of a pet has been known to result in; not only Depression, but PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), in which the individual begins to avoid having pets or dealing with pets, and actually experiences anxiety attacks whenever they run into pets that remind them of their deceased pet.
You will of course, need to have a full Psychiatric evaluation asap; to see whether or not your symptoms warrant a diagnosis and treatment for Depression; which may include Psychotherapy and Medication Management, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Accept that your grief honors your pet's life.
Jan Fawcett
Psychiatrist
You have depression that should be treated. I know that you will reject this idea at first, but you really should get another dog as a pet.
Jan Fawcett, MD
Jan Fawcett, MD
Ask yourself why the dog became a fetish and a symbol of a dead member of the family so you can transfer the grief to that person, mourn, and then relate to a new person.
