OUR SERVICESDepression is often characterized by feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and loss of pleasure in usual activities is a serious medical condition.
Yet, 75 percent of depressed older Americans are not receiving treatment. A number of factors keep older Americans from seeking help including physical illnesses that may mask underlying mental conditions.
The most important thing anyone can do for their depressed family members is to help them get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You can start by making doctor’s appointments, accompanying them on their doctor visits and monitoring medication. You should encourage them to stay with treatments until their condition begins to improve or else seek alternative treatments.
Emotional support is also extremely important:
- Be understanding, patient, affectionate and encouraging.
- Listening carefully can help you better understand their situation and enable you to lend some realistic yet hopeful words.
- Listening carefully can also make you more aware of signs of suicide which should not be ignored.
Encourage your family member or friend to participate in activities and hobbies that they enjoy but if they are not receptive, do not push too hard. Depressed persons need diversion and company but too much can also heighten their feelings of failure. When interacting with depressed individuals, show an extreme level of patience and affection. Do not ever display anger in their presence, accuse them of faking their moods or expect them to simply “snap out of it”. With time and the proper treatment, most people will get better.