My Support Forums - View Single Post - Anyone with a depressed parent? I'd love to know I'm not alone.

(JD) · Dec 17, 2009, 09:53 AM

My mom became depressed during the last year of her life. I'm sure it contributed to her declining health and passing. But it was a circle where her declining health deepened her depression.

Part of my problem was that no one else in the family would agree that mom was depressed. They were in denial. We could have done much more for her with a concerted effort.

I'm sorry you are suffering with a mom who suffers also.
Does she KNOW she's depressed? Does she take medication for it, does she go to talk therapy? Or is she in denial and continues to deteriorate?

Not knowing the above answers I would still say to you to remember to do good self care. You have to take time and effort to keep yourself as healthy as possible (and no, it's not being selfish) so that you can work to help your mom.

Encouragement is needed for your mom, even though she won't be able to hear it for a while. If she's chronically depressed then remind her that she does have better times, and will have them again. Help her to not focus on the here and now feelings, but to focus on that fact that she will have a better day before too long.