Concerned for a parent who is depressed

[ConcernedSon2013]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice about my Mum, she lives at the Goldcoast I live in the UK so I have no idea what to do about her situation. She is in her late 60s, my Dad died a few years ago and she now lives with my younger brother but he ignores her situation and hopes for the best. My older brother is going to visit her soon and try to help her but he doesnt really know the best course of action. Is the best advice to give him that he takes her to a GP and gets her treatment for depression? What kind of activities could she get involved in at her age that would be good for her e.g. can she volunteer at a hospital?

[vip]

Hi concerned son youve got the answer there straight to a GP and maybe referred to a psych she may need medication. And yes volunteering will be perfect to stop her from being isolated and boosting her confidence. Hope this helps take care

[jess334]

Hi Concerned, 

Start at the GP, they will be the best person to help treat depression to begin with.  Also, try Google searching for community centers, or volunteering near her area.  You should find lots of activities that are suitable. 

After my Grandfather died, my Grandma started volunteering with Cancer Council and traveled all over doing puppet shows for primary schools.  She loved it! 

Good luck. 

[JosieH72]

The first step is getting her acknowledgement. Does she think she has a problem? There are subtle things you can do to be loving and supportive. Encourage her to do things, involve her in things but being at a distance that will be hard long term. Try and stay as connected as possible. Depression and mental health is a hard beast to manage outside of the individual. In my worst there isn't anything anyone could do because my headspace was all wrong. Only I could get myself out but first I had to acknowledge and want to change.

[xtragrouse]

I first started to think I was depressed about 30 years ago. I'm now in my late 60s. On several occasions I went to my doctor with various symptoms but felt I was being fobbed off. After a few years I told him bluntly that I thought I was depressed. His attitude changed immediately and he put me on anti-depressants. I still get a bit down at times but I am coping much better.