My husband is totally disabled with heart and lung problems and he sometimes gets depressed too. That is the primary reason we got Rowdy a year and a half ago and Rexy this year. They keep him mightily entertained. And if he doesn't feel good, they will usually go to bed with him. They are always with him during the day and I think this really helps. It also helped when we got Rexy because he and Rowdy play so much that it is really entertaining for my hubby.
His heart doc also talked him into taking a small dose of anti-depressant, Effexor 75 mg. I think it really helps. He takes a load of pills everyday and so I don't even think he remembers now, that he takes an antidepressant.
He has wanted an aquarium for some time now and I have not resisted, but have not facilitated it either. Well a couple of weeks ago he found one on craigslist at a great price - fish and all - and his son-in-law went to get it and set it up for him. His spirits have really been brighter since he got it - he just loves sitting and watching the fish. I think it helps him sleep too. He sits in front of it before bedtime and puts on the headphones with classical music and just chills out. When he does this, he can usually go to sleep without a sleeping pill.
People need something to look forward to - even if it is a tiny little thing. I know it is really hard, I can't imagine how it must feel to not be able to do much of anything that you are used to doing!!!
I just try to be as supportive and positive as possible, without being like a mother hen - but sometimes my feathers stick out a little bit.
