How can I help Mom with her depression?

Grieving is a complex process that should be expected to include much sadness. However, when someone's sadness after losing a loved one prevents them from being able to function, and See also:
How do I encourage my mom to continue to want to live?

See all 573 questions about Depression this goes on for more than a month or two, they have likely moved from grieving to a clinical depression. This happens to about 20% of people who go through grieving. There are some experts who believe experiencing a clinical depression after losing a loved one is more common if the relationship with the loved one was mixed, as may be the case for your mother. Given your description, your mother may be grieving not only the relationship she had with her mother, but also she may be sad about the potential relationship she wishes she had with her mother.

When someone, like your mother, is not able to function in their lives after losing a loved one, I would recommend an evaluation by a mental health professional, ideally a psychiatrist. An antidepressant may be appropriate and she is likely to improve by talking with such a professional. They can help her understand the feelings she is experiencing and ultimately help her resolve them.

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