A client with depression does not want to communicate with friends, uses television watching as a means of escaping responsibilities, and describes the inability to handle personal circumstances. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A Shift attention from self to the needs and requests of others
B Relax and reduce the amount of effort to solve the problem.
C Focus on small achievable tasks, not taxing problems.
D Concentrate on and ventilate emotions when distressed.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The most appropriate coping strategy for a client with depression who is experiencing difficulty in handling personal circumstances and is using television watching as an escape from responsibilities is:
C. Focus on small achievable tasks, not taxing problems.
Explanation:
Depression often impairs a person’s ability to manage daily responsibilities and can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Individuals with depression might struggle with motivation and experience difficulties in initiating and completing tasks. When faced with large or taxing problems, these individuals may feel even more overwhelmed, leading to increased avoidance behaviors like excessive television watching. Therefore, focusing on small, achievable tasks can be a key strategy to help the client regain a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Manageability and Motivation: By breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, clients are less likely to feel overwhelmed. This approach helps them to experience success and build confidence gradually. When clients achieve small goals, they gain a sense of accomplishment and are motivated to tackle additional tasks, which can combat feelings of helplessness.
- Reduction of Avoidance Behaviors: Addressing only large, daunting tasks can perpetuate avoidance behaviors. Focusing on small tasks can reduce the temptation to escape responsibilities by engaging in passive activities such as watching television. It encourages active engagement in daily life, which is crucial for improving mood and self-esteem.
- Gradual Progress: Small tasks offer a structured way to gradually increase involvement in daily activities without the risk of overwhelming the client. This approach aligns with cognitive-behavioral strategies that aim to modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression.
- Building Routine: Incorporating small, achievable tasks into the daily routine can help establish a sense of normalcy and order, which is beneficial for clients struggling with depression. It creates a sense of predictability and stability in their lives.
In contrast, strategies such as shifting attention to others (Option A) or focusing solely on emotional expression (Option D) may not directly address the practical difficulties the client faces. Relaxation strategies (Option B) might provide temporary relief but do not tackle the underlying issue of task avoidance and responsibility management.
By incorporating small, achievable tasks into the care plan, the nurse helps the client build a sense of accomplishment and gradually improve their ability to manage daily responsibilities, ultimately supporting better overall mental health.