A lady whose children had left her alone for a long time and who felt isolated contacted me (on call) and asked for medicine to counter her depression. I told her that I didn’t suggest any treatment, but I could refer her to a psychiatrist for medication. She said she didn’t believe in psychiatrists as they prescribed very long-term medicines. She said that she trusted me fully and insisted that I should send her medication, which she would take as needed. She strongly believed she was in severe depression and shared details about her worries, panics, mood swings, aggressions, sad situations, and blood pressure issues. Still, she insisted I send her medicine.

Shifting Perspectives on Depression

I said, “Wait… Let me tell you that you don’t have depression.” She was pleasantly surprised. Her tone changed immediately. I asked her, “Do you know what depression is?” She answered, “My mood remains off, and sometimes I have sleep issues. However, I can manage my home affairs independently since I live alone…” I inquired further, “Who told you that you have depression?” She explained that a neighbor had noticed her low mood, took her to a psychiatrist who prescribed medicines, and that she had later spoken to a relative on antidepressants. She had also checked her symptoms online.

Recognizing the Real Issue: Anxiety

I asked her, “Do you cry often?” She replied, “Maybe once every two weeks.” She mentioned having had two panic attacks recently due to fears about aging alone. I asked her, “If you take antidepressants, will that find you relatives to look after you?” She laughed and said no. I paused and explained, “It means you have an anxiety issue, not depression.” She wanted to know more, so I clarified, “Anxiety is a minor tension issue that alerts you to remain prepared for future actions. It keeps your hope alive and your momentum going.”

Quick Relief Through Trust and Assurance

I assured her that she didn’t have depression. The old lady started laughing and giggling with joy. She regained her power and suddenly became active. She said she had been fearful of thinking about depression for months. I reiterated that she was a courageous woman, that she did not and would not have depression. She admitted to her quick relief from negative thoughts and became progressive. It was nothing but her strong trust in the therapist that relieved her from depressive thoughts in just a few minute