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It’s common to feel depressed and grieve after the loss of a pet, and many people experience this time of mourning. But it should be temporary, and the time frame varies among individuals. Ongoing, long-term depression often has other causes even if it coincides with losing a fur baby. Just like with any loss, it helps to have support from people who love you and allow yourself to grieve as you learn to cope.
Many cultures worldwide value animals as pets, welcoming the companionship they offer. In the United States, nearly half of all households have at least one dog and over a quarter have at least one cat. It’s not uncommon to love your pet like a family member, which means losing one can be almost as devastating as losing a human member of your family.
This is why it’s natural to feel intense emotions like sadness, anger, or even shock when your pet dies. But when negative emotions and thoughts continue daily and even hourly, your grief may be transitioning to depression, but when should you be worried and how can you cope after the loss of a pet?
It’s normal to have depressed feelings after you lose your pet. But clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) isn’t part of a natural grieving process. While your grief can be intense and even disrupt your daily life for a while, it usually doesn’t cause major depression (MDD). However, you’re still experiencing depressive symptoms, and those feelings are real and deep. It’s just not usually long-lasting enough to be considered “clinical” or a “disorder”.
But for some people, the loss of a pet triggers depression symptoms that progress into clinical or major depression. When this happens, it usually means you are predisposed to depressive disorders. The loss of your pet is the trigger.
Regardless, it’s always best to take your feelings seriously and consider talking with a counselor or a therapist as you grieve. This can help alleviate some of the emotional strain and even benefit those who are prone to more severe depression.
Grief isn't a constant state. It tends to ebb and flow in intensity and moments of happiness are usually possible as you remember joyful moments with your pet. As the shock wears off, you’re able to function within your daily life despite moments of overwhelming sadness. Your grief usually improves with time.
On the other hand, major depressive disorder is a mental health disorder. Hallmark symptoms include persistent low mood throughout each day, unnecessary feelings of guilt, lack of motivation for daily activity, feelings of worthlessness, disturbed sleep, and low energy.
While time and therapy can alleviate grief symptoms, major depressive disorders often require more intervention. If you suspect MDD, talk to your doctor about options that may benefit you.
Prolonged grief disorder (PGD), also known as complicated grief, is similar to major depression in that it is long-lasting, persistent throughout the day, and interferes with daily life. But the difference is that these symptoms are directly related to your recent loss.
More specific symptoms for prolonged grief disorder include:
You can experience PGD after the loss of a pet. It’s not limited to losing a human loved one.
Yes! It can be traumatic to lose a pet especially if you’re someone who feels like they lost a member of the family. It can feel identical to losing a human loved one.
Despite this strong attachment that has its downside when loss strikes, overall, the human-animal bond has a positive impact on mental well-being. Pets provide unconditional companionship, affection, and support. They offer comfort without judgment, and for many people, it’s a close bond.
And since your pet was a daily part of your life, routines develop around your animal from the time you get out of bed. Along with pet loss is a loss of routine that affects your life in both practical and emotional ways.
It can be traumatic to lose a pet, making grief feelings very natural.
It’s important to let yourself grieve and not scold yourself for doing so. It’s not silly to feel deep sadness after pet loss. Allow your grief to run its natural course without trying to avoid or deny it. Allowing yourself a natural period of bereavement often shortens the grieving time. In contrast, bottling up your emotions and pushing them away usually elongates the process.
After you accept the death and your grief feelings, you can try some methods to help you manage the grief over losing your pet.
You may find that family and friends are helpful emotional support as you share your best memories about your pet. But they can also help you adjust as you settle into life without your fur baby.
Honoring your pet helps you focus on all the happy times and good memories you made together. You can express your appreciation for the influence they had in your life when you create photo tributes, write letters, and even poems related to these positive emotions.
Whether you have a supportive person to share with or not, you can safely express your positive and negative feelings in writing as you journal about this experience and the memories you have. This can be a great release that keeps negative emotions from festering and allows positive ones to rise to the surface.
Rest is important while you grieve for your pet. It’s taxing, emotional work that requires good sleep and times of rest. Be sure to find at least some small things in life that you still enjoy, and get out outside in the fresh air for a walk or other activity you prefer. Nutrition is also important to maintain strength and health. You might not feel like cooking meals from yourself, but find simple solutions or even frozen meals that are healthier for you, and be sure to eat regularly.
Adopting or purchasing a pet is a major life decision. It’s an emotional, financial, and practical decision that impacts your daily life. It’s best not to rush into any major decision after a loss, even the loss of a pet. It’s best to give yourself time to complete the grieving process and learn how to manage your intense feelings and resulting anxiety.
When you believe you’ve recovered from your deep grief, although some sadness may still linger, consider your life and new routines. Does a pet still fit your current plans and future goals? Are your priorities different? In other words, does it still make sense to bring a pet into your life?
If you still have a heart that desires a pet and a lifestyle that allows for it, consider the type of pet you want and if you prefer one similar or different from the one you recently lost.
Sadness and loneliness are common and intense feelings after losing a pet and can easily impair your daily life. You might experience a depressed mood and even symptoms of depression, but most people won’t develop major depressive disorder, as this is not a natural part of the grieving process.
But there are ways to manage grief from pet loss like getting support from loved ones, allowing yourself to grieve, and continuing to care for yourself.
If your grief isn’t improving as months pass, it’s possible that your pet-related grief has progressed into a more serious type of depression. This is more likely if you are predisposed to depressive disorders. If you begin having persistent thoughts of worthlessness, low mood, and lack of motivation that is no longer directly related to your pet’s death, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional to determine if it’s major depressive disorder or prolonged grief disorder.
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If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key areas to look at: Retirement plan Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employers match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. Youll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Life insurance If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but theres really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors including your mortgage, your income, your spouses income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs to determine how much insurance you need. If your employers group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage. Disability insurance Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so youll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies. Flexible spending account A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2 months or allow you to carry over up to $640. Health savings account Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan. Make the most of your benefits package it can be a big part of your overall financial picture. Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Practical Tips for Safety, Independence and JoyAbout the Author: Sherri Snelling is a leading gerontologist, author, and expert in aging and caregiving. She is dedicated to educating and empowering families on promoting dignity, purpose, and well-being for older adults. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are a growing concern for many families which is why it is important to be well-informed and well-prepared to support a loved one. Nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's, the most prevalent type of dementia representing 70% of all dementia diagnoses, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, these adults are being cared for by 11 million family members, and by 2050 Alzheimers is expected to nearly double, reaching approximately 13 million. A dementia diagnosis is a diagnosis for the whole family. While an Alzheimer's or related dementia diagnosis can be daunting, it is important to help an AD adult maintain a healthy and fulfilling life in the comfort of their own home. Research suggests that staying at home as long as possible is linked to a better quality of life for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.1Dementia family caregivers whether an adult child, spouse or other family member can find their caregiving role challenging but also rewarding. Following are some tips and guidance to help make it easier to provide care at home for a parent, spouse, or grandparent with Alzheimer's, while also finding moments of connection and joy.Creating a Safe and Comforting Home EnvironmentIssues related to Alzheimer's and dementia can impact an individual's ability to keep themselves safe. To make the home a safer and more comforting place, consider the following steps: Secure hazardous areas: Lock garages, basements, and sheds, especially where hazardous materials or tools are located, since 60% of AD adults wander and may be in danger of falls or other health risks.Enhance lighting: Keep walkways and rooms well-lit as a person with Alzheimers may have impairment of their visual field and their pupils often adjust more slowly to both bright and low light so maintaining good lighting throughout the home is essential.Minimize tripping hazards: People with AD have impaired balance so remove clutter and obstacles to create a clear path for movement and reduce the risk of fallsInstall handrails: Consider adding handrails or chair rails in hallways to assist with balance, as Alzheimer's can affect motor skills.Establishing Routines for Familiarity and IndependenceMaintaining routines and schedules can help reinforce a loved ones sense of familiarity, of control and independence while also reducing anxiety. A consistent routine actually uses rote memory rather than working memory and is easier for AD adults to maintain in the early and mid stages of the disease. Routines not only benefit the individual with Alzheimer's but also makes it easier for caregivers to plan their day and manage caregiving responsibilities.Fostering Joyful Moments Through Creative ActivitiesEngaging in everyday positive moments through creative activities and social events can significantly enhance the quality of life and overall health for individuals with Alzheimer's. Activities that keep older adults engaged include:Memory-related activities: Take a trip down memory lane by looking at old photos, taking a joyride to familiar places in your loved ones past or just reminiscing about past experiences.Sensory engagement: Stimulate the senses with their favorite music or the aromas of beloved foods, which are two powerful ways to spark positive memories. Music memory is the longest memory kept within an Alzheimers brain.Art projects: Simple art projects can keep their hands and minds busy, fostering creativity and relaxation. Keep in mind the sense of touch tactile projects with different types of touch sensations are very engaging for someone with AD.Physical activity: Encourage physical activity, such as walking, to help maintain a regular sleep schedule and promote overall well-being. Studies have found walking in nature is more beneficial than walking inside for everyone including those with dementia.2The Role of Professional CaregiversProfessional caregivers can play a crucial role in creating a personalized care plan that allows your loved one to experience greater well-being through positive moments, meaningful connections, and a more purposeful life. This is especially valuable in the familiar environment of home, where comfort and security are paramount. They also can provide important respite breaks for family caregivers who find dementia caregiving can take an emotional and physical toll.Connecting with an in-home caregiver network, like Comfort Keepers, can provide the specialized care needed for seniors with dementia. Comfort Keepers offers highly trained caregivers who are equipped to help older adults stay engaged physically, mentally, and emotionally while living independently at home. References1 Leverton, M., & Pui Kin Kor, P. (2023). Supporting people with dementia to live at home. BMC geriatrics, 23(1),681. Retrieved from: https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-023-04389-w 2 Boere, K., Lloyd, K., Binsted, G., & Krigolson, O. E. (2023). Exercising is good for the brain but exercising outside is potentially better. Nature scientific reports, 13(1), 1-8. Retrieved from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26093-2
People over the age of 65 are more likely to be readmitted than younger patients, and readmission can be more serious for seniors.Readmission after an illness or injury is a serious health issue for seniors. However, it is important for seniors and their loved ones to remember that in many cases, readmission is avoidable and can be prevented with a thoughtful post-hospital care plan.Nearly one-fifth of all Medicare patients in the United States who are discharged from the hospital end up returning within 30 days. There are many reasons seniors may need to be readmitted to the hospital, but healthcare agencies are focused on finding ways to reduce these numbers and educate patients about how to have a healthier recovery at home.For many seniors, this means having a quality caregiver that can help them overcome some of the main preventable causes for returning to the hospital. Consider the following:Medication is critical: Some seniors need assistance taking medication in the right amount on the correct schedule. When you consider that, on average, seniors with chronic conditions fill 50 different prescriptions annually, it is not difficult to imagine how someone could get confused when a new medication is added to their regimen. Caregivers can not only remind seniors to take medications as prescribed, but they can also help seniors keep a list of those medications and their dosages so the information is readily available for healthcare professionals. Managing medications is one of the best ways a caregiver can help seniors during their recovery.Follow up visits prevent readmission: A full two-thirds of patients readmitted to the hospital would have avoided that trip if they had seen their physicians within two weeks for follow up. The reasons for not following up vary but can include transportation difficulties and forgetting to make or keep appointments. Hospital staff can aid the senior by setting up appointments for the individual before discharge, but getting to the appointment can still be a challenge. In addition to a host of uplifting care services, caregivers can provide transportation to appointments and keep track of any post-care visits.Discharge plans only work when implemented properly: Having a discharge plan for the patient before he or she leaves the hospital can be crucial for recovery, but it can be difficult for seniors and their family members to focus on the plan during the stress of the illness and discharge. Caregivers can help the senior follow the instructions, and will connect with family or other approved individuals when there are problems or change in condition during recovery. They can also help explain the information or ensure that the appropriate person is notified if the older individual has questions about his or her course of treatment. This takes the stress off the family and the patient so he or she can focus on recovery.Having a helping hand during recovery can ensure positive outcomes and a return to an active, engaged life. Family members, friends and neighbors are often willing to serve as a post-hospital recovery caregiver, but there is professional help available for those that dont have someone nearby to assist them. For long-term recovery, those who have the assistance of friends and family can benefit from a professional caregiver to provide respite care and support. Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesRelias. What you need to know about readmission among seniors. Web. 2016.American Hospital Association. Examining the drivers of readmissions and reducing unnecessary readmissions for better patient care 2011 AHA Policy Research. Web. 2011.Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Ten things you should know about care transitions. Web. 2013.