I could not help but notice that my father is murmuring to himself of late.
He has been complaining that his business has not been picking up for the past 5 years and I am worried he is falling into a trance, I love my father as he has always tried his level best to ensure we have a good life and that everything is catered for...Kindly advice on how best I should approach the situation?
Depression is caused by an imbalance of some kind. Sometimes its an easy fix others its a lifetime of medication. I suggest you take Dad to his PCP and get him a full physical. Labs, tests if needed and a cognitive work up. Write down your concerns and have the receptionist give them to the doctor. This way it will help him ask the correct questions. Dehydration, low potassium and Thyroid can cause depression and are easy fixes. Exercise has been known to help. My GFs daughter has fought depression all her life so she just keeps busy to deal with hers.
The best way to get out of our OWN head and our own worries is often to help others. Because of Covid-19 we are stuck unable to do that for the most part and we are all feeling the stress and pain. There are Moms stuck at home with kids who are still trying themselves to work online. There are people worried for jobs, restaurants, mortgages. And I suspect that the fall is going to be very tough.
Why not face this head on. Would your dad talk with you. Start with "Dad I am worried about you and want to talk a few minutes to see if there is anything I can do to help." That you did this is something he won't forget. You can't fix it and likely Dad is muttering about how he can't either. It's frustrating for guy types who thrive on identification of a problem and then fixing it. Try not to fall in the fix-it hole. Recognize that worry and depression can be a part of life. Say you are sorry for the worry, and would like to help if there is a way you can.
If things get really tough then consider an MD and sometimes mild anti-depressives can get once across a bridge between tougher times and better. Can supply some missing plants. And are worth a try.
Firstly, cheer up!
Secondly, if you have such possibilities, go with your father to the specialist.
Thirdly, try to find a hobby for him, where he will have wins and achievments! He needs to increase his self-esteem.. Also travelling helps well.
And don't give up! Everything is gonna be all right!