Depression impacts mood in a negative way; unhelpful thoughts can lead a person away from things they like to do, and leave them feeling irritable, sad and hopeless. Depression can include biochemical changes that lead to fatigue and reduced energy; even less energy for the things that could help a person feel better. In short, fighting depression requires energy that the depressed person just does not have. But if we break things into smaller steps things can seem more manageable.

  • A person who is depressed might not see their past success or remember the good things in the day
  • It is an easy habit to forget to notice the small things that go well. Praise your child for things they do, even the things that seem simple, like getting dressed or having a smile on their face.
  • Point out all the steps that went well, instead of focussing on the one step where they needed help
  • Keep a positive attitude yourself; this can be a challenge as a parent. Your own self care is vital.

Getting people moving again and doing things that might help them feel better is called behavioural activation. However, just telling someone to "find something fun to do" is often not helpful; a depressed person needs help making it happen.

  • Remember a person with an intellectual disability will need support with all their leisure skills, including:
    • Choosing a simple activity: perhaps one that they liked at one time
    • Setting up the activity, gathering materials or starting it off
    • Coaching to stay with the activity
  • Sometimes, even talking about the activity ahead of time, having someone picture it in their mind, can make it seem easier to make happen
  • Using "remember when" encouragement or even photos of past happier times may help

You may need to start with basic routine activities, such as getting washed and dressed, sitting at the table for a drink or leaving the house for a drive. Try to maintain a predictable routine for eating, sleeping and hygiene.

  • Choose activities that are pleasureable: something the child enjoyed or wanted to try with help
  • Think of tasks that have an obvious accomplishment or end result: baking, colouring oreven "look how far we walked"
  • Choose tasks where the child has past success and you know they have the ability to dothe task
  • Natural mood boosters include fresh air, exercise, and companionship, which can mean playing at the park or taking the dog out
  • Break things into small steps, such as sitting together outside before going for a walk

Managing depression can be very discouraging. Gains can be slow, so be sure to praise all involved for any forward progress! It is a move in the right direction.