My Dad is depressed

lufties

He has suffered from it for many years, Now in his 60s, he spends his time in the garden and rarely ventures out. He is medicated for it but his quality of life has detereorated because of , it, definately not thd same person he was a decade ago. I feel helpless and hate seeing him like this. It also is a big strain on my mum. what to do?

Lou.m

lufties wrote: »

He has suffered from it for many years, Now in his 60s, he spends his time in the garden and rarely ventures out. He is medicated for it but his quality of life has detereorated because of , it, definately not thd same person he was a decade ago. I feel helpless and hate seeing him like this. It also is a big strain on my mum. what to do?

I am no expert on depression.

But ultimately it is up to him.

Can he join a support group?

Maybe talk to his GP or therapist about changing things up a little.

Could he try some alternative therapies?

fussyonion

OP, has something happened in his life that you think may have triggered this?
Is he easy to talk to?

Could you sit down and ask him what's troubling him?
You could tell him you and your Mum are concerned about him and why doesn't he have a quick chat with the doctor?

Emphasise the "quick" bit as some people who don't like seeing the doctor dread the thought of being there for any length of time.

Tell him you both love and care for him and don't like seeing him like this and that he can be helped and that, if he seeks help, he can be back feeling to his old self again.

Good luck.

Czarcasm

OP you could probably suggest to your dad that he could put his gardening skills, or any other skills he has for that matter, to good use in the local men's shed in your area. They're open to men of all ages and backgrounds and a great place for your dad to get out of the house for a bit. There are some men's sheds that often do community work like planting flower beds, painting local amenities, lots of things that your dad could help with and get involved in -

What is a Men’s Shed?

•A Men’s Shed is a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities.
•Men’s Sheds are open to all men regardless of age, background or ability. It is a place where you can share your skills and knowledge with others, learn new skills and develop your old skills.
•New members are always welcome and can be assured that there is something of interest for everyone as the men have ownership of their Shed and projects and decide their own program of events.
•An objective of Men’s Sheds is to enhance or maintain the well-being of the participating men.

http://menssheds.ie/

lufties

fussyonion wrote: »

OP, has something happened in his life that you think may have triggered this?
Is he easy to talk to?

Could you sit down and ask him what's troubling him?
You could tell him you and your Mum are concerned about him and why doesn't he have a quick chat with the doctor?

Emphasise the "quick" bit as some people who don't like seeing the doctor dread the thought of being there for any length of time.

Tell him you both love and care for him and don't like seeing him like this and that he can be helped and that, if he seeks help, he can be back feeling to his old self again.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice, yes he's on medication but my mum said he's had it on and off for years, he has it bad now the last 2 years though. I don't really understand depression too well, we all go through hard times in life but its usually in phases. I'd love to say ah sure snap out of it shur your grand but it doesn't work like that. He described it as a dark cloud over him every day. He's an old fashioned type fella and from a time when mental illness was never taken seriously. This probably adds to the woe in some ways.

jack7

you need to speak to him and make sure that he is taking his medication correctly. Coming off medication is never a good idea, it only makes you feel much worse