How to help mother dealing with cardiac blues

[hb1994]

Hi everyone,

Recently my mum went in for a stent after about a year of tests regarding a weird turn last January 2020.

She has always been a happy, free spirit and has never suffered with any kind of depression or anxiety other than after a miscarriage.

She came out of the surgery and is now dealing with what I would consider quite a bad episode of depression and anxiety.

I just wanted to know if anyone had any tips on how to help her through this period? She's been put on anti-depressants but it obviously hasn't started working yet and if anything is a bit worse.

Any advice is much appreciated

[Maui757]

Hi hb,

I’m not sure how much help I’ll be, but I’ve had plenty of experience dealing with anxiety and depression myself, as well as a chronically ill mother also struggling through the darkness.

I think one of the best things you can do to help is to just be there for her, listen to what she tells you about how she feels, offer help if you can but don’t feel obliged to have the answers. Sometimes it’s just about hearing someone out.

I can imagine after a major surgery, maybe she’s feeling scared and unsure? I know I would be! Maybe she is just looking for some reassurance, or a reminder that life is still there and ready to be enjoyed.

Also, I’ve found that antidepressants can make people feel worse for the first week or two before improving. Depending on the type of medication, it may take a month or so to take effect and stabilise 🙂

I hope this helps somewhat, and I hope she feels better soon!

Maui