Nancy’s father refused to go to the doctor at first, but after a few more weeks of lethargy, he agreed. A full workup followed, including a physical, blood work, and a review of his medications. They returned a few weeks later for follow-up.
The doctor peered at the computer screen. “Your heart disease is stable, and well controlled by your medications. I am concerned by your mood, though. I’d like to start you on a low dose antidepressant, and titrate up. I’ll monitor closely until we find the right dose.”
Nancy’s father shrugged his shoulders. He mostly wanted to make his daughter happy. He figured happiness for himself was a lost cause.
It took several weeks and a few adjustments in the medication, but he had to admit, he felt a little better. The heaviness that pulled on him daily had lifted a little.
Nancy saw the improvement, too, but she felt like her father’s spark still eluded them. What else could they do?
Medication is a tool to help with clinical depression, and it can be effective. But it’s only one tool.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Nancy’s father came from a “stiff upper lip” generation who didn’t talk about what bothered them. This was more true of men than women. When he got together with buddies, they shared fishing stories or golf scores, not feelings. She found a male counsellor close to her father’s age, but it took all of her persuasive powers to get him to go. He grudgingly admitted that he liked the guy, and agreed to return.
- Exercise
One in 10 adults in the United States [and Canada] struggles with depression, and antidepressant medications are a common way to treat the condition. However, pills aren’t the only solution. Research shows that exercise is also an effective treatment. “For some people it works as well as antidepressants, although exercise alone isn’t enough for someone with severe depression,” says Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. 1.
Since both his doctor and his counsellor had suggested exercise, her dad wasn’t too resistant, but he wasn’t sure what form of exercise he would be comfortable with. He didn’t mind walking, but found it boring. That’s when Nancy came up with a brilliant plan. It was either brilliant or it would fail entirely, bur she had to try.
- Pet therapy
Nancy spent weeks scouring animal shelters, looking for the perfect dog. It had to be small, not a puppy but not too old, trained, obedient and loving. The day she met Lady, she gathered the wiggling body in her arms and went over to Dad’s. He was in the yard as she stepped out of the car. “Dad, I have a surprise for you.” She’d walked over to him and stood ready to explain, when Lady yipped from behind the closed door.
“What was that?” Her dad walked over to the car and peered inside, so she knew she had to come clean. She opened the car door and Lady bounced out, scrambling around her father’s feet. When he bent to pick her up, she began to lick his hands, his face, and any other parts of him she could reach. “What have you done?” he asked. But he laughed, and she knew her plan hadn’t failed. Not at all.
Daily walks and cuddles with Lady helped to return the sparkle. But Nancy had a few more ideas.
Next week: The power of community in dealing with depression in the elderly
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression