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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,656
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

Not sure medications can help.  Only your doctor can answer that question.  I would talk to him and then join a support group or talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist one on one.  Sometimes talking things out and having a professional counselor help guide you through the process is very beneficial.  Prayers and best wishes.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,305
Registered: ‎06-08-2016

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

Every one is different and organically, everyone's brain metabolizes meds differently but when my husband passed, I couldn't shut off my thoughts.    My thoughts were racing all the time, I was grieving and depressed but all those racing thoughts were keeping me from functioning.

 

I was on an anti-depressant for about 6 months but I also did the grief support.  For me, I find group therapy helpful.   You get lost in other's grief, you can empathize with them and for those moments in time, you are resting your own grief.   The support goes both ways, I find it very helpful as well as satisfying.    But it's not for everyone.  Some people find one-on-one with a professional more helpful.

 

The meds helped me organize my thought and think normally.   I was able to process everything around me in context and not always racing forward.  

 

So after this long answer, yes, you should look into professional help.    

Feel better soon.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,157
Registered: ‎03-04-2015

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

I understand all too well what you are going through,and I am sorry (((((hugs))))) I suggest you talk to a trained professional ...JMHO medication isn't the answer. I wish you well,let us know how you are doing. Please know you are not alone..

Super Contributor
Posts: 383
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

@newjersey... I'm sorry you are suffering. I've dealt with it all. Over half of my 63 years I've dealt with depression and anxiety and grief at several different times! Spent 7 years in therapy with shrinks, occupational, behavioral health, group, on 5 heavy duty antidepressents at one time.

 

Behavioral heath was best for me. I now take 1 med for anxiety. Will NEVER do those meds again!!! BUT they do work for many people suffering and if you are struggling I would recommend giving something a try.

 

Never say never, but I hope never to go so low to go back into therapy again. I didn't grow up in the church, but I eventually turned to the scriptures and found more hope there than anything else. Best wishes. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Hugs Heart

Still Tabbycat ~~ Less is More ~~
Super Contributor
Posts: 353
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

Hello @newjersey, I am also going through a period of grief and, for me personally, I am so thankful I am already taking an anti-anxiety med.  I know how I used to get, and this current level of grief would have overwhelmed me.  No drug can help with grief, but there are many options for anxiety and depression.  In my case, I treat the anxiety, and that keeps depression in check, and helps me cope with the grief on my own.  I also visit a counselor I absolutely adore so I'm a proponent of that route as well. 

 

I am fortunate to have an open-minded, compassionate primary care physician who has worked with me over the years to find the best med for me.  I'm on a low dose that I consider a maintenance drug to keep me on track.  Perhaps one day I'll decide I want to go without it, but I'm not interested in that yet, and I'm happy with things as they are. 

 

My advice, contact your primary care physician for an appointment.  Sometimes just knowing you're doing something about it is a huge relief.  Take that step.  If your PCP isn't receptive to your concerns, look for a counselor or psychiatrist on your own.  Sometimes you can "work backwards" and find a provider, and if they need a referral, go back to your PCP and request it. 

 

Hope this helps and please check back in and let us know how you are, even if it's a bad day.  There are many caring, concerned folks here, you are never alone.

~~Keep calm and hug your pets~~
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,817
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

Some year back I was dealing with what you describe.  Won't go into details, but life had overwhelmed me.  I visited a physciatrist at our major hospital and he told me that you need to take meds for several weeks to get you up from the deep black hole that your mind is in before you start therapy.  People who are that depressed cannot concentrate on what is being said to them and don't retain info.  You need to be able and willing to accept counseling.  He always starts with meds.  And he was right.  Try going on long brisk walks, it will increase the indorphins in your brain.  That helps a lot.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,918
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this but I believe it's true.  There are no meds that can help with grief or depression caused by grief.  Acually, meds are only used for chronic depression.  If you are depressed for legitimate reasons (like death, divorce, lost pet etc), psycotropic meds can't help.  However, I do strongly encourage you to see a therapist, preferably one who specialize in grief counselling.  A therapist can give you some coping mechanisms, talking therapy will help because you can say things to a therapist that you can't say to friends and family.  A therapist recommend a support group.  There's much value in grief counselling but I think only if you see a real clinical pychologist or clinical social worker or a psychiatrist.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,455
Registered: ‎12-07-2012

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?

@newjersey

 

We had to let our very beloved Sugarbear kitty 1 1/2 years ago from severe kidney disease. She was my pride and joy. 

 

I still think about her every day, and realize now that I kept her alive longer than I should have. For that, I have regrets, and it still bothers me. 

 

I suggest you reach out over on Pet Lovers if the loss of your pet is what this concerns. Others can tell you it is very difficult, and normal to greive the loss of a pet. 

 

Sometimes sharing your feelings with others does help. I will pray for you, and I understand how deep the pain is. Truly, I care. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,775
Registered: ‎07-09-2011

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?


@chrystaltree wrote:

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this but I believe it's true.  There are no meds that can help with grief or depression caused by grief.  Acually, meds are only used for chronic depression.  If you are depressed for legitimate reasons (like death, divorce, lost pet etc), psycotropic meds can't help.  However, I do strongly encourage you to see a therapist, preferably one who specialize in grief counselling.  A therapist can give you some coping mechanisms, talking therapy will help because you can say things to a therapist that you can't say to friends and family.  A therapist recommend a support group.  There's much value in grief counselling but I think only if you see a real clinical pychologist or clinical social worker or a psychiatrist.  


@chrystaltree

 

I beg to differ.  Medication is not just used for chronic depression.  It is very frequently used for sudden onset depression caused by a trauma, such as a loss.  Used short term medication can provide a bit of space from the crushing depression so therapy can help one come to grips with the underlying cause.  It is very difficult to work through grief while overcome with a dark cloud of depression.

"Animals are not my whole world, but they have made my world whole" ~ Roger Caras
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,491
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Grief/do any meds help with it?


@Drythe wrote:

@chrystaltree wrote:

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this but I believe it's true.  There are no meds that can help with grief or depression caused by grief.  Acually, meds are only used for chronic depression.  If you are depressed for legitimate reasons (like death, divorce, lost pet etc), psycotropic meds can't help.  However, I do strongly encourage you to see a therapist, preferably one who specialize in grief counselling.  A therapist can give you some coping mechanisms, talking therapy will help because you can say things to a therapist that you can't say to friends and family.  A therapist recommend a support group.  There's much value in grief counselling but I think only if you see a real clinical pychologist or clinical social worker or a psychiatrist.  


@chrystaltree

 

I beg to differ.  Medication is not just used for chronic depression.  It is very frequently used for sudden onset depression caused by a trauma, such as a loss.  Used short term medication can provide a bit of space from the crushing depression so therapy can help one come to grips with the underlying cause.  It is very difficult to work through grief while overcome with a dark cloud of depression.


 

Correct.

 

But it's important to see a specialist.  I am not a fan of having my gynecologist or family doctor prescribing antidepressants.

 

I may be alone in this opinion, but I'm just wary of doctors who don't stay in their own lane.

 

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