When i miscarried and it turned out to possibly be from cancer (hydaditiform mole disease) - i just about lost it. I couldnt eat, couldnt stop getting sick, couldnt stop crying, just a mess. My OB prescribed Xanax... very mild.. took that until i got through the crisis mode and then went off of it. I had a two yr old at the time and just couldnt function. few years later - had a personal crisis - just about lost my mind..couldnt eat, couldnt sleep, couldnt stop crying... my OB again gave me Rx for Zoloft. A year later, same marital crisis occured again ... i went to a phsycotherapist/pyschiatrist and they increased the dosage by 1/2. A year later, all was good - post divorce, i weaned myself off of it. MOST family practice doctors can and will prescribe you with something "to get by" -but anything long term, they'll want to refer you to a therapist - which in all reality, that is better. I'll pray for you and your sisters family... i cannot even begin to imagine the pain she is feeling... the meds will help her pick up and continue each day - grief counseling should be on order for everyone too.