how to help someone with severe anxiety and depression

[runforthehills65]

My dad is in his late 70's and six months ago he became depressed due to having to move house. The depression led to anxiety which has steadily got more severe. He is on anti depressants and diazepam and has just started a psychosis drug, which can be prescribed for anxiety.

I am going to look after him next week so my step mother can have a break with her daughter.

My main concern is how to deal with his anxiety, eg. convinced he has salmonella poisoning, he is going to die from blood poisoning, he is going to be arrested. Do I try to reason with him and explain it is the anxiety making feel that way or do I try and change the subject? Or something else? This is something I have never dealt with before and would just like some guidance on what would the best approach.

He was under the care of enablers and a crisis team but has now be put under the complex intervention team.

Also, he no longer wants to leave the house. Should I try and conjole him out or accept he wants to stay put?

Thanks for any advice.

[SilverStars]

Hi, is it worth asking your mum or his mental health worker what strategies are best. Then there will be some consistent approaches. Ad take time for you too will be helpful to keep you calm and ok.