REASSURE symptoms are common
• We actually see depression very frequently
• Often people do not realise that they are depressed for many years
• We learn to cope with things when we don’t have to – I’m glad you came for
help
Reaffirm it is NOT THEIR FAULT
• You have done nothing to cause this depression • Often we don’t have any control over whether it comes or not”
Assess SUPPORT SYSTEM – FAMILY/FRIENDS/FINANCIAL • May I know with who do you live with at home? • Do you have a partner/friends? • How’s your relationship with them • Is there anyone who you turn to on a particularly bad day? • Have you got anyone to talk to?
SUICIDAL RISK
• Sometimes when people feel low like this, they often feel like life is not worth
it, or sometimes like ending their life – is this ever the case?
TREATMENT
• There are several ways that we can help – ranging from self-help, talking
therapies to medications, Let’s find how best we can help you get through this • Let’s aim to get you back to how you used to be
EMPATHISE if root cause is known, empathise if cant find/understand a root cause. • Sometimes we can pinpoint why depression happens, often we can’t – either
way it can be treated
POSITIVE STRATEGY planning eg holiday • Have you thought of anything that you can look forward to eg a holiday?