Mental health disorders cost the healthcare system in the United States more than any other area of wellness. Many adults in the States, as well as other countries across the globe, find their wellbeing affected by mental health conditions including depression and anxiety; these sorts of conditions are now becoming as common as bacterial infections.
Some people, however, are at greater risk of developing serious mental health problems, despite any treatment they may be on. As the age of the population continues to increase over the next decade, more and more people are going to experience the trauma of their spouse dying. This can leave them with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
Losing a spouse is a major, life-changing event. Many couples are married for decades, and so the loss of a spouse (especially when it is sudden) can result in serious shock and a variety of related mental health conditions.
Many who suffer this kind of loss will recover from the bereavement in time and with a bit of counselling or medical help, but for others there remains a long-term psychological impairment. Many who suffer this kind of long-term psychological impairment find that they have difficulty managing their day to day life and managing general tasks.
If you have recently suffered the death of a spouse, it is important that you realise that the psychological complications of bereavement are completely normal. The bereavement process varies in length and will have varying effects, but the quality of life that you are left with should not deteriorate substantially.
It is important to recognise the risk that you are at, and to then surround yourself with a support network to help you manage your bereavement. There is a tendency to become isolated, and this actually increases the likelihood of mental health conditions, so actively work to engage with activities outside of your home. You may even be able to find a support group to attend.