Any natural remedies for stress/depression or is it best to see a doctor?

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Am very worried about my DFil. Posted on here a few weeks ago about how he'd been given forced retirement from the job he absolutely adored. Lost his wife two years ago and the job kept him going. Now it's all hit him very hard.

He isn't eating or sleeping very well. Everything is now difficult and worrying for him, things that he used to be able to do. I see his hands shaking sometimes. He worries about everything. He is convinced that the neighbours have been in his property - they haven't, I'm sure.

He's obviously stressed out and very upset. I and other members of the family have told him he needs to talk to someone like a doctor. I have no experience of this but that is what I would do.

He is reluctant to take pills. He had some before when DMil died but he says they didn't help. He is worried about becoming dependant on drugs.

Can anyone recommend an alternative?

Hi MsAdorabelle,

Your poor FIL, he's having a tough time.

I honesty think he should be seeing his GP with the things you are describing. He sounds depressed and medication is likely to help. Most antidepressants have to be taken consistently and gradually built up over a few weeks for minor side effects to subside and for the benefits to develop. So it's not surprising that previous meds haven't helped.

Alongside that, he would likely benefit from talking to someone such as a CBT therapist. He could get a referral on the NHS or alternatively look on the BABCP website for an accredited therapist local to you. You will find information there about what CBT is and how it can help with a variety of difficulties

I 5hink you will help him best by encouraging him to get some treatment. He could be feeling a lot better quite quickly with the right input and it's only going to get worse if nothing changes.

That's brilliant, thanks. That's what we all thought, he needs to see a doctor. I don't know if we'd get him as far as a therapist, he's a bit old fashioned and not very emotionally articulate, I don't think he'd discuss personal problems with a stranger. Will bear it in mind though. Perhaps if I offer to go with him to his gp and wait outside for him, I might get him in there. Thanks for your reply.

You're welcome. CBT is quite practically orientated although feelings do come into it. Massively sexist genrealisation here which I hope you will forgive, but men do tend to get on quite well with it as it's quite logical and goal orientated. But yes, please do try to get him along to the gp and quite soon.
Good luck!