How to help my dad deal with depression
I’m sitting here in a hospital room for the 9th day. I’m watching my dad sink into a severe episode of depression. One when he says he feels hopeless but refuses to talk about it. Especially to the family.
My father is back at the cardiac ward for the second time in 3 months. His original heart attack was devastating, and out of nowhere, at least two days before no one caught any warning signs. He’d been lively, active and appeared healthy for his age. While his heart was left very weak, it looked like he started to recover. Then things took a turn for worse. He didn’t have another heart attack, just his heart got weaker. He ended up in ICU, where they turned his physical recovery for the better, but there is a long road ahead, and no guarantees of any kind. He has suffered physical pain and all kinds of complications. Being sad and anxious is a normal response, but he seems to be a completely different person.
I understand he comes from a place and time where mental health issues were a shame. And he refuses to consider any kind of medications or conversations to help. I don’t know how to talk to him about it any more, he will not open up to me, and he gets angry if anyone mentions potential treatment, and he shuts down completely.
if anyone has any advice as how to approach this,please share. I have mentioned it to his doctors it I don’t feel comfortable talking about this if he is not willing to, and I’m not comfortable asking for help if he is not ready for it. I don’t know that I’m the right person even for him to talk to.
@BetterDreams657 Hey sorry you’re dad is dealing with health issues. It seems to me that your dad feeling depressed might actually be very normal given what he is facing. I’d be *** off if I was in his shoes and someone wanted me drugged or psychologized out of feeling what I was feeling. I would be thinking, “How dare you! This isn’t happening to you, you can’t imagine how this feels and how dare you suggest there is something wrong with me!” You can support your dad without trying to manage his mood. I’m not a mental health professional and I’m just guessing, but it might help if you spoke with one to figure out how to best support your dad. I’m sorry for the stress and worry this must be on you and your family. I hope you find what you need to help and that your dad makes a full recovery.
@BetterDreams657
Sorry to know that are you dealing with this situation, i hope you are doing well now , the good news is mental illness can cured
About your role i think all you can do are cultivate yourself about depression, listening, being empathic, know how to prevent a burnout and caring about yourself
Sending hugs to you 💝