46 – Depression Hits

Since Albert returned home from CORE Healthcare, he stays in bed almost 24/7. He’s in the bed when Jordan and I go to school every morning and he’s in the bed when we get home.  When I check in on him during lunch, he’s in the bed. When we’re at home in the evenings and on the weekend, he stays in bed.  He doesn’t see the need to get up or to take care of himself physically. I’m concerned about him because I’m not sure what to do to help him. 

I took him to see a neurologist, cardiologist, and his personal doctor.  They all said that physically and neurologically he was improving, but he had depression.  The neurologist said that his depression may be influenced by the location and extent of his brain injury as well as his psychological reaction to his disabilities. His need for assistance with daily activities may add to his depression. His doctor gave him a higher dosage of the anti-depressant medication, which I didn’t appreciate because it causes him to be lethargic and to sleep more than usual.

Albert doesn’t eat dinner with Jordan and me. Jordan and I hang out in the living room eating dinner, watching Dancing with the Stars and Hawaii Five-0, and playing board games. We do this for hours. We invite Albert to join us but he doesn’t have the desire to get out of bed. He isn’t in rehab right now, but I’m looking for therapists to come to the house for home healthcare. I think it’s important he begins rehab as soon as possible. 

While Albert’s at home during the day alone, he’s been making food for himself.  He makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bagels with cream cheese, and he eats cold cereal. He’s back on these foods again because he can make them on his own without assistance. 

Albert attends worship on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights, and at church, we’ve moved back to our old seats that are closer to the front of the auditorium. He doesn’t talk to people initially, but when they talk to him, he responds with his phrases, “One day at a time”, “I need a break”, “I need to chill”, or “Main menu”.   

I know Albert’s behavior is due to depression, but again I don’t know if there’s more that I should do. I don’t know how long this is going to last but we are taking it one day at a time.