Watching anyone struggle with depression can make you feel helpless, and it can be especially heartbreaking if it’s a parent or other older loved one who’s depressed. While there’s no magic “cure” you can provide, there are ways you can offer support for a depressed elderly person. With three locations in North Carolina, Daymark Recovery Services is here to lend their support, too.

First and foremost, Daymark Recovery Services encourages anyone suffering from severe depression to seek professional help as soon as possible. If your elderly loved one is already following a treatment program or is taking medication to control their depression, here are a few additional ways you can provide assistance:

• Invite Them To Get Out: Stimulating the mind and body through healthy endeavors like walks, outings to a museum, and other healthy activities can help mitigate the symptoms of depression. If there’s a hobby your loved one used to enjoy but hasn’t done in a while, consider whether you could accompany them for a day to revisit their favorite activity.
• Assist With Healthy Meal Prep: Many healthy foods have mood-boosting benefits, and it’s often easier to feel good mentally and emotionally when the body is also well. Make sure your senior has access to a wholesome diet filled with protein, fresh produce, and whole grains.
• Make Sure Medications Are Taken: Remind your loved one to take their medication as instructed by their health care professional, and, if possible, set up an alarm to help them remember when it’s time to take any pills as needed.

Above all else, simply being there without judgment on both the good days and the bad will help your elderly friend or family member the most. If your loved one would like to seek counseling from a mental health professional, call Daymark Recovery Services to speak with one of their caring associates, or learn more by visiting their website.