I know many people that took antidepressants for short period of time, just to get over extra hard periods in their lives. It worked for them great.

There are many different anti depressants with different side effects and maybe you can ask for one that is very mild like Prozac or Celexa.

I really feel for you : (((. This is very reason why I do not have pets - I would just fall apart if anything happen to them. I cried for 5 days because "my" favorite hummingbird died after hitting my window : (((. I burred him in beautiful wooden carved box on top of sunny hill "so he has nice view". Gosh darn, now I am crying again ... NO PETS FOR ME !!!