This past week I spoke with a patient who noted that since his wife’s death six months ago, he had lost 40 pounds, slept a maximum of four hours nightly, and stopped enjoying activities he used to take pleasure in. He found it difficult to concentrate at work, and getting out of bed each morning was described as his greatest struggle. While relaying this story, the man was on the verge of tears. His voice was soft and pleading; he needed help.

While the exact line between a “normal” grief reaction and new-onset major depression is controversial, my attending explained to this patient that – given the length and severity of his symptoms – he would likely benefit from treatment. Both medicine and counseling were an option at this point. After all, all humans need to eat and sleep, and this type of care could help get him back on track and into healthy habits.