How to know when you need help?

Question:

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.

Answers:
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.

Seek help now; it's been a traumatic year

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How to know when you need help?

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