My mother had a mild stroke in January and the stress of taking care of her took it's toll on me and I had a panic attack. My doctor put me on effexor xr (anti-depressant) just to relieve some of the pressure.
Last month, my Grandmother, who was my favorite person in the world, died from the West Nile Virus. I numbed up during her sickness - trying to remain strong for my family. The pain was just too real for me to feel it.
It will be a month ago tomorrow since she died.
I don't cry often. I sleep a lot, and find myself staring into space. The things that use to interest me, don't anymore. I don't talk a lot. A doctor friend of mine said that she thinks I am clinically depressed at this point and she thinks I should seek help.
I am not sure if I am just grieving differently or if I am still numb. I have been through a rough year. So, my question is, is it normal to feel this way after a close family member dies suddenly? Or should I be seeking help after just a month?
Oh, by the way, I am 27.
2006-09-26 07:18:59 · 15 answers · asked by Mintygoodness1 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
You've been through a lot recently. The fact that you are holding it together as well as it sounds like you are is a testament to you. Everyone that goes through the grief process does it in their own way and in the own time. I don't think it would do you any harm to see a therapist a few times to see if it would help you cope a little better.
2006-09-26 07:22:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. A month is NOT long enough of a grieving period. Back in the day, windows wore black for a year for a reason.
Secondly, so sorry about your mom, too. Do you have help caring for her, or is the responsibility all yours?
I am not a Dr, but it sounds like you are depressed. You didn't mention if you feel better on the Effexor.
I have been through the wringer with mental illness myself, and here's what I have learned (the hard way). If you feel like you need help, get therapy. Too many family docs are prescribing psychiatric meds, IMO, and without careful monitoring, this is dangerous. So try to find a psychologist (insurance these days is very good about mental health coverage). If he/she thinks you need meds (or a change in meds in your case) she will refer you to a psychiatrist.
Oh, and DO NOT stop taking the Effexor without talking to your Dr first.
Best of luck, luv, and know this... it DOES get better!
2006-09-26 14:37:59 · answer #2 · answered by cindarcolvey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it from me you can take a lot of trauma. You should seek help right away though. Otherwise it can get worse and worse. Also it can become a habit, and you start to feel comfortable living like that, and it is extremely difficult to get out of it. You don't want to live your life in sadness.
I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. Everything will be ok, you will get past it.
Always know that people that pass away don't want you to grieve, just as you wouldn't want others to grieve if you passed.
Good luck to you. It will get better just be strong. :)
2006-09-26 14:48:34 · answer #3 · answered by idontknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greetings, first of all I am sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose one we love. The pain will never go away, but with time it will become dull. So... your friend might be right. Although it is normal for a person to grieve the loss of a beloved one, sleeping in excess and not finding joy in life are common symptoms of drepression. It would not hurt to seek professional help! By the way, there IS help!
2006-09-26 14:23:50 · answer #4 · answered by o302 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have gone through alot and obviously it is taken a toll on you physically and mentally. (understandable) Why don't you find a good counselor to talk to. It can do wonders for you. Stay on anti-depressents, as you probably still need them. Good Luck and Feel Better Soon!
2006-09-26 14:43:46 · answer #5 · answered by zoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I just recently lost my grandmother and the stress and trauma of it sent me into depression as well. I saw a doctor about it and even though it's still hard to think about, just talking to someone about it really helped. He wasn't family so I didn't have to worry about feeling like I wasn't being strong when they needed me. I urge you to find someone, and soon.
2006-09-26 14:29:31 · answer #6 · answered by brainy_blonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no thresshold below which a person needs to fall prior to seeking professional help. You have experienced a great deal of significant stress in a short period of time. That, in and of itself, can indicate that professional help might prove beneficial. Add to that the symptoms of depression that you describe, I'd strongly recommend it.
2006-09-26 14:23:03 · answer #7 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your troubles. You don't need to diagnose yourself - that is the reason for seeking help. It is possible that just having someone to talk to will help, or maybe they can prescribe a mild anti-depressant for you to help you through this period, whether it is temporary or not.
2006-09-26 14:27:57 · answer #8 · answered by Don't Know 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the doctor who gave you the Effexor and tell him what you're doing. He'll know if it's normal.
I'm sorry for your year and your sadness.
2006-09-26 14:37:02 · answer #9 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Time to get some help, if even to vent some of your frustrations and hurt. A therapist will help greatly
2006-09-26 15:35:14 · answer #10 · answered by pink9364 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋