Module 5 Lesson 4. Depression, anxiety and apathy How to respond when a person living with dementia is feeling depressed or anxious? Let’s look at an example Ahsan has dementia and lives with his son, Azad. On several occasions, Azad has found Ahsan sitting in his favourite chair looking very sad, hunched over, and sometimes crying. Azad tries to cheer him up. Unfortunately, everything that he tries does not seem to work. Check your understandingResponding to a person with dementia who is feeling depressed. How should Azad handle this situation? Below are some things that Azad may do or say. Please select all responses that you think might work. Sigh and walk away, thinking that there is nothing that he can do.Sit with Ahsan and suggest that they do a pleasant activity together.Go over and touch Ahsan on the arm or shoulder. “I know that you feel bad, I do too. What we’re going through is really hard.”Say: “men don’t cry and get sad, we used to have so much fun together.”Say: “Ahsan, what’s the matter with you? I’m tired of seeing you like this. Just get up and do something.”Walk over to Ahsan and say in a calm, reassuring tone, “I have some ideas about how you can feel better, let’s talk.Check Sigh and walk away, thinking that there is nothing that he can do. This is not helpful because Azad is further isolating Ahsan. Sit with Ahsan and suggest that they do a pleasant activity together. This is a good response because it may distract Ahsan and make him feel better. Go over and touch Ahsan on the arm or shoulder. “I know that you feel bad, I do too. What we’re going through is really hard.” This is a good response because people who are feeling sad need extra love, support and understanding. Say: “men don’t cry and get sad, we used to have so much fun together.” This response is not good because it might embarrass Ahsan and may make him feel even more sad. Say: “Ahsan, what’s the matter with you? I’m tired of seeing you like this. Just get up and do something.” This response is not helpful because Ahsan cannot help that he is feeling sad. Walk over to Ahsan and say in a calm, reassuring tone, “I have some ideas for how you can feel better, let’s talk. This is a good response because Ahsan needs more support due to the changes in his mood. Error: Please select at least one option.Please click ‘check’ to view the answers before continuing.Error: Please type your answers in the text box.