My nan is very ill with depression. it's very upsetting to see, and very diffucult to know what to say or how to comfort her. does anyone have any ideas on how i can deal with this?
2006-09-28 04:23:12 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Assuming that she is under the care of a MD, and/or a therapist to address and properly treat her symptoms........the best thing you can do is let her know you care. Call her just to check on her.See if she needs anything at the store or other errands done. Offer to take her with you, but be happy to go do these 4 her if she doesn't. Don't try and do everything 4 her, that isn't good, But don't be afraid to do a few things. Many people with depression get very tired and when things pile up....like housework and errands it can feel overwhelming. Call or visit her often with no expectations, just to say Hello. Many people will feel worse if normally they cook or whatever for company, and now can't even cook for themselves..Again, just call or visit a lot you don't have to stay long or talk and do a lot, just be upbeat
2006-09-28 04:38:57 · answer #1 · answered by Hello 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, sorry to hear your gradnmother is not feeling well; I think the best thing you could do is to listen to your worries, that way you may find out what has made her depressed in the first place?! Most times when someone is depressed, they feel like nothing you say or do for them will make how they feel better, however if you take the time and effort to just listen, and make sure she feels like she is being heard, slowly but surely she will start to listen to you?! Also, you have to bear in mind, assuming that she is an old lady, she will not be in the same frame of mind as you are, so it can be a bit difficult.
Good luck and I hope your grandmother will feel better sooner, rather than later.
P.S. you should try and google Depression, a list of websites where professional help and advice can be found should be there, take care
2006-09-28 04:35:14 · answer #2 · answered by tupacgirly86 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be there to LISTEN night and day, not judging, not interrupting, justing active listening.
If you feel the depression is serious, then supporting the person to take with a menal health professional or her family doctor for either counseling and/or medication. There is acute depression due to circumstance, like a death, loss or illness. And there is long term depression. Both can be helped by using a mental health professional.
The best thing you can do is to be there for "Nan." If you feel the depression is so life threatending that she is at risk for suicide, then you call for professional help, e.g., police to take her to hospital for 72 hour observation.
2006-09-28 04:41:30 · answer #3 · answered by banananose_89117 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is just be your self around her dont change because of her condition as she will notice that you are treating her differently and this can cause her think she is being a burden etc but be there for her if she wants to talk about anything just sit and listen dont judge her feelings dont tell her she is being silly and pull yourself together this can be very patronising. If she is on medication it can take a while to see any results maybe you should go and talk to someone about your fears maybe yours nans nurse or doc?
2006-09-28 04:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by John "Freddie" West 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can do is be there for her and let her know you love her. There may be times when she's not very responsive, this is normal. It is very hard to watch a loved one suffer this dreadful condition, you may find you need some extra support yourself if it is really getting you down. Make sure you have people around you that you can talk to about how you feel.
btw, 'homeward' obviously has issues and you should disregard everything he / she has written.
2006-09-28 10:04:08 · answer #5 · answered by Jude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depression isn't always rational. People may not even know what they are depressed over. So, talking them out of their depression can be impossible. Since depression is a medical condition, they should see a doctor.
2006-09-28 04:30:52 · answer #6 · answered by IT Pro 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theres nothing you can say that will make it better. Just be there for her as much as you can. She should be on meds, if she isnt talk to her about getting help. She'll feel so much better and its definately worth it.
Just keep checking on her, make sure shes ok.
I have sufferd with depression my whole life, and I got help. It was the best thing I ever did for myself.
2006-09-28 04:30:52 · answer #7 · answered by ~~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
encourage her to go to a dr and gets meds and to take them call her and check on her and send here flowers and buy her a hi intensity sunshine lamp they are a real help I am depressed on meds and also I have a small 5 lb psychiatric service dog. get one for your Nan nothing better
2006-09-28 04:31:38 · answer #8 · answered by nora7142@verizon.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not like the relative, do nothing, and simply sit back, observe and enjoy their steady decline. If you do care about them, go and have a frank chat. Tell them that they should get some sunshine, stop wasting their life, by setting goals that are truly challenging and also by serving others. Depression is the feeling within when we have cheated ourselves or others by dishonest living, acting as we are not and by avoiding rational, mature behavior. Tell the soul you love to get a grip, to stiffen their backbone and to deal bluntly with their lack of spiritual uprightness. When anyone is phony or wrong, depression is simply the CHECK ENGINE light on the human consciousness panel. HONESTY is the instant antidote. COURAGE, the remedy over time...and ACTION the only catapult that can jumpstart the person out of the blues and awful gloom of a depressed person. Be blunt. Tell them that they are a loser. Introduce them to the fact that they are so fortunate to live in this era, in this part of the world, and they should commit suicide if they are so blind to their many blessings. Tell them they are disgusting to think they suffer, when their only suffering is imagined, and cleaved to, with a twisted habit of self-pity. The depressed are selfish, self-absorbed fools. They must be dealt with firmly, and by one who is well aware of the follies and hypocrisy that creates the condition. If they are unwilling to face reality with gratitude and vigor, let them stew in their chosen dark morass. Do not assist them, by giving attention or even listening to their words. They are a sorry excuse for life. Abandon them to their utter misery. They then may have a chance to wake up to their stupid, circular insanity. Most depressed souls merely crave attention. They want love without reciprocating. In a word, they are evil. They should not continue. Life is ONLY for those who live it. It is not for sissies, wimps, wusses or the lazy. Depression is that which fills the vast void between the paltry accomplishments, and what they were born capable to achieve. Only if they are true to themselves and others will they be earn the reward of fulfillment and joy. Do not try to rescue them. They shouldn't exist.
2006-09-28 04:42:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
i wouldnt draw attention to it act normal obviously keep an eye on things u dont want her causing herself a prob mayb some tablets will help if she aint takin any already but just try and keep cheery dont dwell on it mayb that will rub of on her remind her of good times take her out for fresh air mayb suggest cutting caffine out of her diet caffine is a natural depressant
2006-09-28 05:38:37 · answer #10 · answered by hayz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋