tryin to figure out signs of depression? i think my mother is having some issues everything is setting her off her moods are crazy:( dad didnt dump bathroom trash and left a little mess and she went off on him like a crazy person is there anything over the counter that she can try this has just started since the death of her best friend:( thankyou ladys
Could be plain old fashioned grief, anger is one of the stages. I would encourage her to get some counseling.
I agree, sounds like she is grieving and just needs a little space. Counseling could really help, or a support group for people who have lost a loved one. Of course, sometimes grief does turn into a deeper depression, so it's important that she takes care of herself both physically and mentally/emotionally. Before taking any type of supplement or medication, she should definitely speak to her doctor, especially if she is currently taking any prescription medications. Her doc may prescribe her a low dose antidepressant to help her through this period of grief. It's very normal for her to be feeling this way after the death of someone so close and special to her, so continue be supportive, and tell your dad to hang in there!
She is clearly depressed over the loss of her best friend. This is normal.
Be supportive, but not overtly in the way. She might be moody...but so what? You would be too. She's trying to cope. Give her time to do that...even if it means stealing grandpa away for dinner a few nights over the next few weeks. Or stopping in here and there to breeze through and help tidy up.
If this behavior is unlike her usual self, I agree that this is depression caused by grief. How long ago did her friend die? If it's been recently she may be able to work thru this grief on her own. I suggest giving her a book or look up an article on the Internet about grief's stages and suggestions on how to handle grief.
If it's been awhile she may benefit from medication. There are herbs such as St. John's Wort, that can be helpful. But be sure to research the herb so that you know how to best use it before starting taking it.
I would recommend suggesting that she see a doctor who can prescribe and anti-depressant if the above don't work.
Your mom lost her best friend. I don't know how devastated I would be if I lost my best friend. We've been friends since we were 10...so for 35 years...I would be lost without her.
I googled depression and I found this:
http://www.recover-from-grief.com/stages-of-grief.html
There were a ton of other things but this might help you help your mom. She needs to be able to express herself - anger, sadness, etc. at the loss of a dear friend.
There are no quick fixes and no OTC meds that will help her. She needs to see her PCP and get diagnosed that way. She may not want to go to the Dr. and that's fine as many people don't need medication during the grieving process...keep your eyes and ears open. Be there for her and when you think it's not getting out of it - talk with her about it and tell her you want to help her!
Good luck!
It also might be some signs of starting menopause. She really needs to make an appointment with her doc and talk frankly with them. Depression is one of the most obvious things I would think in this situation too.
