“Does my mother need help to get over my father's death?”
My mother has become extremely depressed and lonely ever since my father passed away. She is very anxious, sad and irritable. Does she need psychiatric help?
7 Answers
YOUR MOTHER HAS EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL SAD AND GRIEVE OVER THE LOSS OF HER HUSBAND. HOWEVER IN HER SITUATION IT SOUNDS LIKE HER DERESSION IS ESCALATING AND NEEDS INTERVENTION. AFTER THE INITIAL CONSULTATION THE PSYCHIATRIST WILL DETERMINE IF SHE NEEDS MEDICATION IN ADDITION TO VERBAL THERAPY
While your mother's grief is natural, it sounds like she would do well with some intervention. It would be excellent for her to see a psychologist who can help sort and explore her grief, locate support groups in her area, and decrease her loneliness/isolation. Please help an appropriate therapist in her area, either through her insurance providers or through this platform. Though grief is a natural and normal process, it's important for her grief to not immobilize her; we want her bereavement to remain at a point where she is functional, and if she's not, to intervene so it doesn't become "complicated" grief.
Perhaps. Grief is a common process after the death of a loved one. Within a year or so, the person should resume activities and engage in a new type of routine -without their loved one.
If depression/anxiety/irritation persists beyond that, then it's time to consult with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. They both can help her heal from the loss and resume life.
Be well,
Dr. Rosana Marzullo-Dove
If depression/anxiety/irritation persists beyond that, then it's time to consult with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. They both can help her heal from the loss and resume life.
Be well,
Dr. Rosana Marzullo-Dove
Hi,
If your mother after a few months of grieving is still suffering from a very low quality of life, I would suggest getting help, like you would do with any kind of illness. That does not mean "she gets over him," but gets help in processing the loss and maybe what life entails for her from now on. At first, I would suggest a psychologist, but if you think it’s severe, taking her to a psychiatrist could help her a lot. Many older adults suffer from depression and anxiety after the loss of a long-term partner. The loss is simply huge.
I hope it helps.
Best regards,
Dr. Eval Gal-Oz
If your mother after a few months of grieving is still suffering from a very low quality of life, I would suggest getting help, like you would do with any kind of illness. That does not mean "she gets over him," but gets help in processing the loss and maybe what life entails for her from now on. At first, I would suggest a psychologist, but if you think it’s severe, taking her to a psychiatrist could help her a lot. Many older adults suffer from depression and anxiety after the loss of a long-term partner. The loss is simply huge.
I hope it helps.
Best regards,
Dr. Eval Gal-Oz
Your mother is experiencing grief. Your father's death has clearly changed her life. Grief counseling (individual and/or group} would be beneficial. Please be supportive during this difficult time.
She might just need a life coaching or spiritual advisor to help her know that her husband never died but just transitioned. He is with her and she needs to know these things. If you believe in psychic/mediums and know of a good one, bring her to them for a private session.
I guess this has gone on for awhile. Seeing a psychologist to deal with grief is a good and healthy thing to do. I recommend that you discuss this with your mom - both of you will feel a lot better by getting this addressed.
