Hello Krystal -- Welcome to the Forums.

I think it may be especially hard for your grandmother to talk about depression to others if she share's my mother's generational prejudices. My mother does not believe that depression is a mental "illness"; she believes that it is a personal weakness. Moreover, she believes that one doesn't talk about personal weaknesses or family matters in public or with others. Seeking help also is an indication of personal failure and weakness.

This makes it virtually impossible to get help for my mother of any kind. This Christmas, my aunt (my mom's sister; my mom is 80) was talking with me about mom's increasing isolation. I pointed out mom's rejection of all the alternatives for perking up her life that I had suggested. My aunt concluded by telling me, "Don't you take this on you. The Lord helps those who help themselves."

My point here is that no matter how much you or I want to help our loved ones, we have to be prepared to have our loving help rejected.

Having said that, the previous suggestion to contact Social Services or Mental Health Services is a good starting place. Senior Citizens Centers are another great place to start because they are plugged into all the services that are available. And they may have volunteer members who will be able to talk with your grandmother as peer counselors and will understand her thinking and feeling.

Best wishes with this project. You are a good granddaughter.