Originally Posted by Heartnsoul (Post 2003354)

Also she has done grief counseling already. She is beyond that and Needs some depression type med and anxiety. She has developed fears

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul (Post 2003274)

My neighbor has lost her husband, can't sleep, won't eat, very depressed. I believe she needs a psychiatrist. Do we have any good ones in the area??

Originally Posted by valuemkt (Post 2003695)

This thread has made clear that asking a simple medical question on this forum is as useless as asking for investment advice. A lot of jabber from people that have no idea what they are talking about.

Originally Posted by 1golfergal (Post 2003849)

Unless you are a trained diagnostician.... how can you determine that she needs "medication"? The others are absolutely correct.... what she needs more than anything right now is Grief Support and potentially speaking with a Counsellor. Unless she has a prior "mental health" history that you are aware (or her family) of.... then a Psychiatrist is NOT the answer.... If she lost her Husband and he was under Hospice care she is eligible for a minimum of 1 year follow up grief support. This is my background and expertise so I know what I am talking about. She is lucky to have a neighbor who cares about her to reach out... I just feel your suggestion for medication and a Psych Doc is a little out there. Maybe there are things going on that are none of any one on here's business and totally respect that... maybe she truly does need a Psych eval... I don't know.... but no sleep/no eat/no church does by no means mean you a mentally ill. It might mean you lost the love of your life and best friend and have no clue how you will go on. She will... she needs love/support and maybe some help... NOT friggin medication. Just my two cents. But, thank you for reaching out.... and, hopefully, if a Psych Doc is truly needed you will get some awesome recommendations on here.

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul (Post 2003386)

This is hard to believe. With all the seniors here who move away from family, suffer losses of spouses, possible problems with he wants to live here, she wants to be up north etc... We have no psychiatrists, psychologists, here?? This needs to change!! I can see her anxiety is beyond my expertise so I was reaching out for Names. Tk u

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul (Post 2003389)

She also has spoken to her primary who prescribes Zoloft which did absolutely nothing for her. She's been through alot and Really needs a psychiatrist at this point. I have no idea where to look. Have searched for names but hate pulling one out of a hat. So much better when others may have found one to recommend. I am willing to drive her to Ocala or Leesburg if necessary

Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2003915)

I’m sorry you’re not getting the answers you’re looking for. I can’t imagine going to grief counseling. My friend just went after she lost a family member and ran out in tears vowing never to return. I would suggest finding a psychiatrist in the area as opposed to trying for a recommendation. Good luck.

Originally Posted by 1golfergal (Post 2003849)

Unless you are a trained diagnostician.... how can you determine that she needs "medication"? The others are absolutely correct.... what she needs more than anything right now is Grief Support and potentially speaking with a Counsellor. Unless she has a prior "mental health" history that you are aware (or her family) of.... then a Psychiatrist is NOT the answer.... If she lost her Husband and he was under Hospice care she is eligible for a minimum of 1 year follow up grief support. This is my background and expertise so I know what I am talking about. She is lucky to have a neighbor who cares about her to reach out... I just feel your suggestion for medication and a Psych Doc is a little out there. Maybe there are things going on that are none of any one on here's business and totally respect that... maybe she truly does need a Psych eval... I don't know.... but no sleep/no eat/no church does by no means mean you a mentally ill. It might mean you lost the love of your life and best friend and have no clue how you will go on. She will... she needs love/support and maybe some help... NOT friggin medication. Just my two cents. But, thank you for reaching out.... and, hopefully, if a Psych Doc is truly needed you will get some awesome recommendations on here.

Originally Posted by manaboutown (Post 2004002)

If the situation did not appear so serious I likely would have laughed heartily at many of the responses, the unsubstantiated diagnoses, the wide spectrum of off the wall opinions, blah, blah, blah.

What the OP is seeking is a referral to a psychiatrist (an MD, not a PhD psychologist or MA counselor, or group therapy, informal or formal) who could conduct a medical evaluation and recommend, direct or proceed with some form of treatment to help get her friend through her grieving process and hopefully back to functioning and living her life as best she can.

One would think Central Florida would be replete with psychiatrists as well as other mental health professionals of every stripe who have extensive experience dealing with issues the elderly face such as the deaths of long term spouses.

Originally Posted by jswirs (Post 2003981)

Wow! I can't imagine NOT going to grief counseling. After losing my wife of 50 years, thru grief counseling, indirectly, I met someone who lost her husband. We have now been married for about 1 year and we have happily moved forward from our grief. I realize we all grieve differently, but your highlighted quote above is a bit over-stated, IMHO.

Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2004104)

You misread. I’m talking about ME…. Personally… Grief counseling can work wonders for those who it benefits. There are some types of personalities that cannot do grief counseling. Those with actual anxiety issues. Consider yourself lucky you don’t have any. I’m so happy for you and your wife. That’s awesome. See, IMHO, i can understand others issues. Grief counseling didn’t work for the OP and I’m letting her know that it doesn’t work for everyone and she has other options. Like the one she inquired about originally. Just because it’s not for you, doesn’t mean it’s not for her. :ho: