My poorly dad won’t help himself...

My dad has been going through a tough time recently. Health problems resulted in him quitting his job. He’s been very low – even saying he wants to take his own life. I’m desperately trying to get him to talk to someone professionally, but he says he won’t as everyone feels down at some point. I find myself feeling frustrated but I just want to help him. What should I do? May, Edinburgh

I’m so sorry to hear your dad is going through a tough time. What he’s been through would shatter anyone’s confidence, and I can understand why he is feeling down at the moment. However, I do worry about your comment on him wanting ‘to take his own life’ – that suggests depression, and has to be dealt with by a professional. Men are notoriously bad at going to the doctor, or opening up about what’s wrong with them, so I think you have to be patient and

continue to gently talk to him about getting counselling. In the meantime, get a few fun things in the diary for him to look forward to. This may make him feel better about himself. Best of luck.