Struggling with depression after the death of a parent is a common experience. As a prominent figure in your life, their death can feel like losing a big part of yourself. Sometimes, people have mixed feelings, like anger or guilt, about their parent’s death. There’s no set way to feel after a parent dies – all emotions are valid.
This guide explores how grief can turn into ongoing depression. You can also learn how to get effective mental health treatment – you don’t need to struggle alone.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that makes you feel sad and lose interest in things you once enjoyed. It can also cause problems with thinking, memory, eating, and sleep.
It’s normal to feel sad when something happens, like losing a parent or going through a divorce. Depression is different, though. It lasts almost every day for two weeks or more and involves more than just feeling sad.
Need Help Getting Mental Health Treatment?
Almost one in three U.S. adults has experienced depression at some time. One in five are currently dealing with some form of depressive disorder. Depression can happen at any age, but it often starts in the late teens to mid-20s. women and young adults are more likely to have depression than men and older adults.
There are different types of depression. Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is the most common form of depression. Other types include:
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Seasonal depression
- Perinatal depression
People with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes.
Without treatment, depression can get worse and last a long time. in severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or even suicide. The good news is that treatments can help a lot and make symptoms better.
How to Tell the Difference Between Grief and Depression
Losing a parent is incredibly hard and it can make you feel sad. This type of sadness is called grief. Unfortunately, grief can sometimes turn into depression. Knowing the difference between these conditions can help you understand your feelings better.
Grief
- Grief is a normal reaction to losing someone you love.
- It often comes in waves. You might feel fine one moment, then sad the next.
- Grief can make you feel like crying, and you might think about your parent a lot.
- Over time, feelings of grief usually get easier to manage.
Depression
- Depression lasts longer and can make it hard to enjoy things you used to like.
- You might feel sad often and find it hard to get out of bed.
- Depression can also make you feel hopeless or like nothing will ever get better.
- It’s also common to feel tired and have trouble sleeping or eating.
If you are struggling to tell the difference between grief and depression, talk to someone. A counselor or therapist can help you understand your feelings and find the support you need. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Is Depression After a Death of a Parent Common?
Depression after losing a parent is common. Losing someone so close can make you feel sad and alone. It’s normal to grieve, but sometimes these feelings can turn into depression.
When a parent dies, you might feel like nothing will ever be the same again. You might lose interest in things you used to enjoy, for instance. These feelings are common and can happen to many people.
If you find your sadness doesn’t go away and you feel hopeless, it might be depression rather than grief. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Many feel the same way after losing a parent and people can help you through it.
Signs of Depression After the Death of a Parent
Here are some signs of depression to watch out for:
- Feeling very sad or empty: You might feel down all the time or like there’s a big hole inside you.
- Losing interest in activities: Things you used to enjoy might no longer be fun. You might find games, hobbies, and seeing friends unappealing.
- Changes in sleep: You might have trouble sleeping or want to sleep all the time.
- Changes in appetite: You may not feel like eating or want to eat more.
- Feeling tired often: Even small tasks can make you feel exhausted.
- Trouble focusing: Concentrating on reading, watching TV, or schoolwork might be difficult.
- Feeling worthless or hopeless: You might feel like things will never get better, or that you don’t matter.
- Physical aches and pains: Sometimes, depression can cause headaches, stomach aches, or other pains.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: If you ever feel like hurting yourself, tell someone right away.
Talk to a loved one or healthcare professional if you notice these signs. They can help you get the support you need.
How to Begin Healing After a Loss
Losing a parent is very hard, and healing takes time. Here are some ways to start feeling better.
Let yourself feel your emotions
Let yourself feel whatever comes up. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Don’t rush yourself or think you need to be done grieving by a certain time.
Prepare for emotions to return
Most of your grief happens in the first six months after a loss. It’s normal to struggle for the first year. After that, you often start to accept your parent’s death and move forward. However, the grief can come back, especially on holidays and birthdays.
Find daily routines
It might be hard to do everyday things like work or chores. Try to find small ways to get through the day, like making a to-do list or setting aside time to focus on your tasks.
Lean on friends and family
Talking to people who care about you can help a lot. Even if you don’t feel like going out, having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Find friends or family members who will listen to you and support you.
Join a grief support group
Sometimes, friends and family don’t know how to help. A support group can be a good place to share your feelings with others who understand. You can find support groups at community centers, hospitals, or online.
Keep a journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a good way to cope. A grief journal lets you express yourself and remember your parent. You can write about your emotions, memories, or anything else that helps you.
Exercise
Staying active can help you feel better. Even if you feel tired, a short walk or light exercise can boost your mood and give you a break from your grief.
Remember your parent
Looking at photos or doing things your parent loved can help you feel close to them. This can be comforting and a way to keep their memory alive.
Do things you enjoy
Remember that it’s not wrong to find moments of happiness. Doing activities that make you smile, like watching a favorite show or having a special treat, can help you heal – don’t feel guilty about enjoying yourself.
Get professional help
Seeing a mental health professional, like a therapist or psychologist, can be beneficial. They can help you work through your emotions. You can visit one anytime, but it’s important if your grief isn’t improving or is affecting your daily life. For instance, if you’re struggling to keep up with your job or take care of your family, it might be time to seek help. A mental health professional can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your grief and start healing.
Get Compassionate Care at Connections If You’re Struggling with Depression
If you need effective inpatient depression treatment for you or a loved one, we can help you at Connections Mental Health.
We offer immersive inpatient treatment programs to help you feel and function better. Small groups of six people mean you get plenty of personal attention and support from peers dealing with similar issues.
All treatment programs at Connections account for the unique nature of depressive disorders. You can access medications, talk therapy, counseling, family therapy, and holistic treatments when you choose inpatient treatment at our luxury beachside facility in Southern California.
Call our compassionate team today at 844-759-0999.
