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Activities for someone with depression

(38 Posts)
Aveline Sat 11-Feb-23 11:35:23

I second getting outside in nature. There's something wonderfully therapeutic about it. If she's not that mobile how about a wee picnic in the car at some beauty spot?
Good luck though. I know it is very difficult.

hollysteers Sat 11-Feb-23 11:32:10

Do you think she might enjoy colouring in an adult colouring book.? Some of them are not childlike at all, quite complicated.
Has she got an IPad? That certainly has lots to interest anyone.

Chardy Sat 11-Feb-23 10:59:55

Can you take her somewhere she can sit and look? I live near the sea, so I'm going to say sitting watching the sea (from the pier?). A little inland are some fabulous valley views with viewing spots (Google 'wow spots near me' or 'lookout points'?) where you can see for miles. They're even better with a telescope or binoculars.

Patsy70 Sat 11-Feb-23 10:53:06

Being outside certainly lifts the spirits, especially now Spring is on its way. Even just sitting by the window, watching birds feeding and the bulbs and plants emerging.

silverlining48 Sat 11-Feb-23 10:27:55

If your mum has only just been discharged after so long she may not be up to doing too much straight away.
Don’t rush things, she has been in a very difficult environment and needs time. Take her outside if it’s not too cold for short periods or perhaps in the car as a start.
My mum was in a psychiatric unit for 3 or 4 months so I do understand.
Hope your mum starts to feel better soon.

Germanshepherdsmum Sat 11-Feb-23 10:12:44

I agree that getting outside is very helpful. Depression can make it difficult to concentrate sufficiently to read a book, but a puzzle such as a crossword can hook you in and solving it gives a sense of achievement. A jigsaw can also be very absorbing.

Esmay Sat 11-Feb-23 10:09:52

Poor lady .
I've also experienced this with elderly parents .
It's really hard to cope with .

Music as suggested .
Swimming was very successful .
Walking was too .

We had some very elderly ladies at our belly dance group classes .
They loved it !
Any dancing is great .

I used to teach art to some ladies aged 80 plus at their coffee mornings /afternoon teas .

Good luck .

tanith Sat 11-Feb-23 10:09:35

I don’t know if it’s possible but just being outside would lift my mil mood when in her 90s. I would sit her outside where she could hear the birds and feel the breeze see the sky and feel the sun she was always lifted by it.

Redhead56 Sat 11-Feb-23 10:05:03

Take her for a drive somewhere and take a little picnic just sitting and observing. If she isn’t very mobile or in a wheel chair take her to the park to feed the birds and ducks.
Sometimes just getting out and seeing other people lifts the spirits.
When my MIL was diagnosed with terminal cancer she slumped into deep depression. It was a struggle as she was a heavy weight but I took her out in her wheel chair.
She did enjoy it we would go to the sweet shop and she would get a lolly ice it was the only thing she could eat by then. It was lovely to see her mood lift even only for a brief time which I still smile about we were very close.

Anniebach Sat 11-Feb-23 10:01:26

Can your mum play keyboards?

susanverity Sat 11-Feb-23 09:56:29

She lives with my Dad who is 90. Music was a big passion but she keeps saying she's not good enough. We've have played recorder duets a couple of times and I keep saying to Dad to put Classic FM on as much as possible.

Anniebach Sat 11-Feb-23 09:54:30

Does your Mum live with you or on her own ?

What were here interests before the depression ?

susanverity Sat 11-Feb-23 09:48:11

My 83 year old mum has just got out of hospital after ten months in a psychiatric ward due to depression. I'm keen to keep her occupied but she keeps saying no to most things. Anyone got any suggestions of things to keep her busy?
Thanks very much