I Don't Know What To Do

These are words that break my heart when it comes to individuals living with dementia. Maybe it’s because I once said the same thing myself during a mental breakdown years ago.

In fact, I'm sure it is.

I don’t know how or why it happens with mental episodes, but suddenly a person loses interest in almost everything. There’s no self‑starting, no spark to begin new activities, and repetitive routines take over the day. The person becomes almost a blank slate, feeling as if there’s nothing to do.

And getting out of that state is difficult.

So difficult, in fact, that I don’t know what to do about it for someone I’m caring for. I don’t know what might catch their interest or occupy their time. If I did, both of our days would be significantly better.

And yes — if you can’t tell — I’m blaming myself.

But I went through it. I got myself out of it, too. I just don’t know how to do that for someone else.

Every person is different.

All I can do is try to engage them and work from there. So far, though, it’s been hard.