How to Be a Caregiver for Someone With Depression, from the AARP

In late summer, AARP published an article by Kim Painter entitled, “How to Be a Caregiver for Someone With Depression. Your support can help a loved one find help and hope.” It includes multiple quotes from Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s National Medical Director and plenty of good information.

Ms. Painter outlines how pervasive the scenario is by noting, “Across the United States, millions of caregivers are figuratively or literally holding the hands of older adults with depression. In some cases, they’re helping someone with a first bout, triggered by illness, personal loss or isolation.”

She quotes a professor of geriatric and rehabilitation psychology who says that depression “is not a normal part of aging.” The professor also points out that, “Dad, I think you're depressed,” is not usually the best approach to starting a conversation about mental health.

Painter’s interview with a man living with depression includes his comment about what to do when you think a loved one may be in need of mental health support, “don’t ignore them, don’t walk away, don’t give them all their space,. . . That’s when we need you to come sit beside us and just say, ‘Is everything OK?’”

The sentence, “Here’s what you should know and what you can do to help if you suspect or know that someone you care about has depression,” frames the discussion. Sections of the article include Recognize the Signs, Reach out for Help, Learn about Treatments, Support your Loved One, and Take care of Yourself.

The full article is available by clicking the button below.