Loss of a Spouse Can Cause Depression, Even Two Years Later
Loss of a Spouse Can Cause Depression, Even Two Years Later
Wallace also explains that screening for depression should always be a part of the routine assessment doctors conduct in their patients, especially in the elderly, as should inquiries about conjugal loss. "Primary care physicians should always inquire about spousal loss. I've always felt that a routine part of primary care practice should be periodic screening for major depression, and physicians need to be alert for that because it is treatable and important," says Wallace.
For those who suffer bereavement, discussion -- especially with a physician -- is important. "It's important not to ignore your feelings after bereavement and all of the life changes that go with that," says Joan Gibala, of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Gibala, who is with the AARP's Grief and Loss Program, stresses that newly-bereaved widows and widowers need to seek support and information. "The AARP recommends that you look into bereavement support programs such as the AARP's Widowed Persons Service. Or seek out the closest widowed person program in your community."
According to Gibala, many resources, including print materials, statistics, and support groups are available on the AARP's web site at www.aarp.org/griefandloss.In addition, the AARP has many booklets about widowhood that are available free of charge. For a free single copy of the AARP's booklet "On Being Alone," interested people can call 800-424-3410.
Loss of a Spouse Can Cause Depression, Even Two Years Later
Wallace also explains that screening for depression should always be a part of the routine assessment doctors conduct in their patients, especially in the elderly, as should inquiries about conjugal loss. "Primary care physicians should always inquire about spousal loss. I've always felt that a routine part of primary care practice should be periodic screening for major depression, and physicians need to be alert for that because it is treatable and important," says Wallace.
For those who suffer bereavement, discussion -- especially with a physician -- is important. "It's important not to ignore your feelings after bereavement and all of the life changes that go with that," says Joan Gibala, of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Gibala, who is with the AARP's Grief and Loss Program, stresses that newly-bereaved widows and widowers need to seek support and information. "The AARP recommends that you look into bereavement support programs such as the AARP's Widowed Persons Service. Or seek out the closest widowed person program in your community."
According to Gibala, many resources, including print materials, statistics, and support groups are available on the AARP's web site at www.aarp.org/griefandloss.In addition, the AARP has many booklets about widowhood that are available free of charge. For a free single copy of the AARP's booklet "On Being Alone," interested people can call 800-424-3410.
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