https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/please-help-how-do-i-help-my-mother-in-law/m-p/85945#M4255 Really hoping someone can offer advice - Like most situations, ours has been in "development" for some time - short story is that my darling mother in law is currently in an aged care mental health ward for severe depression and anxiety - the depression is pretty much now "controlled" via medication but the anxiety is overwhelming her.  She is not old - 69, but right now she can't eat, or drink - and they can't even force her to eat or drink any more (i fear they may have to intervene soon on that aspect), she can't sit for a minute - she is pacing the floor constantly - she can't shower herself, she can't even dress herself - I must stress here that physically there is nothing wrong with her.  She is humming constantly (something she has done since doing ECT 6 years ago for the depression). We struggle with trying to say or do the right things to help her.  I want to wrap her in cotton wool and bubble wrap and protect her forever, but I can't and it is breaking my heart.  Her family love her very very much.  Today we cannot see any time when she might come home again - is recovery for her possible?  What might happen to her if she doesn't improve?  How can I support and help her? Thu, 08 May 2014 08:32:56 GMT ConcernedLoveOne 2014-05-08T08:32:56Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/please-help-how-do-i-help-my-mother-in-law/m-p/85945#M4255 Really hoping someone can offer advice - Like most situations, ours has been in "development" for some time - short story is that my darling mother in law is currently in an aged care mental health ward for severe depression and anxiety - the depression is pretty much now "controlled" via medication but the anxiety is overwhelming her.  She is not old - 69, but right now she can't eat, or drink - and they can't even force her to eat or drink any more (i fear they may have to intervene soon on that aspect), she can't sit for a minute - she is pacing the floor constantly - she can't shower herself, she can't even dress herself - I must stress here that physically there is nothing wrong with her.  She is humming constantly (something she has done since doing ECT 6 years ago for the depression). We struggle with trying to say or do the right things to help her.  I want to wrap her in cotton wool and bubble wrap and protect her forever, but I can't and it is breaking my heart.  Her family love her very very much.  Today we cannot see any time when she might come home again - is recovery for her possible?  What might happen to her if she doesn't improve?  How can I support and help her? Thu, 08 May 2014 08:32:56 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/please-help-how-do-i-help-my-mother-in-law/m-p/85945#M4255 ConcernedLoveOne 2014-05-08T08:32:56Z