Question

A depressed client verbalized feelings of low self esteem and self worth typified by statements such as I'm such a failure. I can't do anything right which action should the nurse take?

Answer 1

Hi!
These feelings are common symptoms of a depressed client. An effective plan of care to enhance the client's personal self-esteem is to provide experiences for the client that are challenging, but that will not be met with failure. Reminders of the client's past accomplishments or personal successes are ways to interrupt the client's negative self-talk and distorted cognitive view of self. Options 1 and 2 give advice and devalue the client's feelings. Silence may be interpreted as agreement.