Question

How would you approach a depressed patient who does not want to participate in group activities or shower?

Answer 1

Depression:

It is a mental disorder characterised by depressed mood, depressed cognitions like hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness etc. and suicidal ideations. People with depression may manifest sadness, anhedonia ( inability to experience pleasure in any activities) , tirdeness , change in sleeping pattern, weight loss , withdrawal from social activities, unnecessary guilt feelings, difficulty in thinking etc.

If a patient who doesn't want to participate in group activities or shower, approach him :

* with empathy and understanding .

* Listening him patiently ; is an important aspect in treating the depressed patient. Hear them patiently, their feelings and ask them questions to understand them more , instead of assuming their conditions. Say to them after validating their feelings that " I am sorry to hear that, That sounds  really hard " .

* Tell him / her  that ( I ) you care for them and motivate him to speak to you ( me)

* If the patient reject the idea of participating the group activities , I can say to him " last week you said that the group activities were really helpful and productive and you felt better afterward, what if today group activity  helps too? "

* If a patient doesn't want to shower, understand that even the basic daily activities seem to them difficult and they may feel fatigue or inability to do the task. Offer them the help, or offer them assistance in hair washing or getting dressed. Motivate them to do activities to maintain  personal hygiene.