Mary and Dr Smith discuss treatment options. Mary is reluctant to take an anti-depressant. She does not like the thought of “taking more pills to make me feel better” and is concerned about possible side effects. The consultant discusses these beliefs with her and informs her that anti-depressants are not addictive, He explains that the MDT will closely monitor for benefits she may feel from taking anti-depressants or for any adverse side-effects. After this discussion Mary still wishes to try to make some improvements without medication.
MDT staff, Mary and her family agree to try to increase Mary’s activities and level of engagement with the aim of increasing her enjoyment and pleasure and therefore possibly reducing her depression. Establishing realistic goals with Mary may also help her treatment. Click on the ‘Additional information’ button below for more information about goal setting.
Tending to the pot plants in the hospital garden
Mary previously listed gardening as one of her hobbies.
Attending the gym with physiotherapy
Physical exercise and movement will help improve her function and mood.
Walking with the nurses to the toilet
This maximises the positive effects from her gym sessions and offers more opportunities to practise.
Going outdoors with her family in the wheelchair
Being outside is enjoyable for Mary, as is spending time with her family away from the ward setting. Both are beneficial to raising her mood.
Involve the hospital library
Mary previously enjoyed reading and may appreciate the opportunity to go to the library. However, this should be discussed with the Speech and Language Therapist who would be able to guide on appropriate materials to assist Mary with her reading.
Playing bridge
Not at this stage as the game may be too complicated and as a result may have a negative effective on her mood. However, she could play simple card games with the volunteers and her family at visiting times.
Work on self-care techniques
This helps to improve function and confidence.
Knitting
Mary has upper limb weakness and so she would have difficulty manipulating the needles.
Sudoku
Mary has mild problem solving skills so learning a new skill like sudoku may be too difficult and as result may have a negative effective on her mood.
Wii Fit
Mary has mobility problems therefore this would be contra-indicated.
Page last reviewed: 25 Feb 2020
