Dear Annie: As a caregiver, how can I cope with anxiety and depression after loss?

Dear Annie: My husband passed away in April after suffering for many years from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I was his caregiver for over a year, along with hospice. It was very hard on me. Since he passed, I have been lost, depressed and have a lot of anxiety.

I don’t have much of a support system because my family members have all passed away. I stay at home, grieving terribly. I have suffered from depression for many years. Now the depression and anxiety feel overwhelming. I have been unable to get my meds right.

I want to get a job so I can get out of the house and have contact with people, but I stress about looking for a job. I have a lot of insecurities, and I have had trouble with the interview questions on those occasions when I reached out.

I just want to get back to a somewhat normal life. My husband was always there for me when I went through difficult times, and now he’s not. I never had anxiety like Any suggestions?

— Grieving Widow

Dear Grieving Widow: I am so sorry for your loss. You have every right to feel sad and anxious. You just lost your partner and best friend. Speaking harshly to yourself about your insecurities is not going to help. Instead, praise yourself for what an amazing wife you were to your husband. Getting your medications right and having the right therapist to support you during this difficult transitional time of life is very important. Once you get the proper treatment, you can join a grief support group, where you will start to feel better. There is a good chance that you will find a job that will help you “get back to a somewhat normal life.” But we must learn to walk before we can run.