Depression is a serious mental illness that affects people of all ages. However, among the elderly, it’s especially vital to be aware of the indicators of depression, as they can frequently appear differently. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.
Depression is a serious worry for the elderly, and because symptoms of depression can be difficult to detect in your aging family members, they may have a harder time recognizing them in themselves. Recognizing some of these signs of sadness and indicators of depression might help you identify depressive behavior among the elderly:
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
• Lack of Energy
• Feelings of Despair
• Sadness
• Memory Problems
• Loss of Interest
• Thoughts of Suicide
• Weight/Appetite Loss
• Sleep Disturbances
• Drug/alcohol use
• Ignoring Personal Hygiene
• Lack of Motivation
• Self Loathing
Despite these indications and symptoms of depression, they might be caused by the adverse effects of medicines, especially if you’re taking several at once. Because we metabolize medications less effectively as we get older, the elderly are more susceptible to their side effects.
Certain diseases, as well as certain medical problems, can produce cognitive and attention deficits that mimic symptoms of depression.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE SYMPTOMS
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Lupus
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.
WHAT TO DO?
Stay healthy – A comprehensive approach to overall mental, physical, and spiritual well-being has a significant impact on depressive symptoms. Getting enough sleep and decent sleep are two easy techniques to combat poor sleep. Exercising also improves your mood by producing endorphins and adrenaline. You don’t have to join a gym to be in good shape. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cleaning your home, or gardening, has the same health perks. What you consume inside your body is just as important as what you put into your body on the outside. Eating insufficient calories or eating the incorrect vitamins and minerals could result in feelings of sadness and lack of energy.
Stay engaged –When you’re sad, it’s tempting to just sit and watch TV. However, when you participate in activities with others, you may fight depression symptoms by doing so. The more socializing you engage in, the better you’ll feel. You may also boost your social circle by participating in things like book discussions, art workshops, and exercise sessions. Take a stroll, go shopping, or see a pal if you have the opportunity. However, keep in mind that socializing does not always need to be face-to-face. Even spoken words or electronic communication may assist in lifting your spirits.
Seek help – Feelings of sadness are common, so you should never be embarrassed to go to a professional. Because elderly individuals are more susceptible to the ill effects of medicine, antidepressants should be used with caution. Depression may be treated using a variety of behavioral and pharmacological therapies. Treatment options, such as counseling and lifestyle changes, are quite effective. Medication, on the other hand, only targets depressive symptoms rather than the disease’s underlying cause. As a result of lifestyle adjustments, all areas of your life – from career to social to personal – may change.
Many seniors may be sad but do not recognize the symptoms and signs of depression, so they have no idea what to do to assist themselves. Just keep in mind that you have the power to influence your emotions.
Avanti Senior Living at Flower Mound
Avanti Senior Living at Flower Mound, Texas, provides a pleasant, welcoming environment with a variety of on-site services and activities to enjoy. Our residents have access to a fitness center, beauty salon, library, and more. In addition, we assist with medical appointments, transportation, and errands.
Avanti Senior Living at Flower Mound’s programming is focused on a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for our residents. Our caring living facility allows people with mild to severe levels of depression to take control of their health by empowering them to actively participate in it.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
