He has became increasingly depressed over the past couple of months. We are taking care of his elderly grandfather and the difficult situations at hand are finally (slowly) getting handled. How do you pull someone out of depression (burnout)?
I've tried getting him to go on walks with me at least but 1) It's difficult to leave the house with our LO being as needy as he has become 2) He doesn't have the want to do anything anymore.. But he hates being at the house. I've noticed this more the past few days. He extremely drags his feet when leaving stores or anywhere when we do get out because he does not want to go back to the house.
He told me the other day that he craves nothing more than to start his own life but he can't right now.
You cannot 'pull someone of of depression' anymore than you can pull them out of cancer or diabetes. Depression is real, not a choice and can be deadly. When one is overwhelmed by the terrible thoughts flowing through their head and the feelings of worthlessness, a brisk walk and friendly chatter will not cure it.
Medication may help, get him in for a check up and ask for full labs to be done. Some diseases are associated with depression, such as Thyroid imbalance B12 can wreck havoc if it is out of whack too..
For me talk therapy gets me though the winters, but I also know that it will get better in the Spring. Getting outdoors, fresh air and exercise are good, but they are not a cure. As is good healthy food made from real ingredients.
More important are good friends who stand by me, when I need them most but am least able to ask for help. The ones who will be pushy and tell me they are coming over, even thought I would say no. They make me tea, push the mess off the couch and sit with me. Knowing someone cares when I am at my worst means everything.
I have never missed school or work due to depression, I can fake it when out, but I collapse when I get home, the effort is exhausting.
Situational depression will be helped by changing the situation.
Depression and stress can be the cause of many health issues; high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, and lots of others. Have you considered a facility for Grandpa?