Every person is susceptible to depression, especially the elderly. However, it might be tough to detect the signs of sadness in your elderly relatives, and they may struggle to recognize them within themselves. Many things can cause depression in the elderly, including chronic pain, the death of a spouse or close companion, retirement, or feelings of isolation. It’s critical to be aware of the signs of depression so you can help your elderly relatives get the treatment they need.
Recognizing some of these indicators of depression and symptoms can assist you to 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
Antidepressants, for example, can have negative consequences. They may cause undesirable side effects such as sadness. When you take a lot of medicines at once, the harmful effects of particular medications, particularly if you take many of them simultaneously, can induce these symptoms and signals of unhappiness. Because we become less efficient with medicine as we grow older, it’s essential to consider this when assessing depression in the elderly.
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
It’s critical to be aware of the signs of depression so you can help your elderly relatives get the treatment they need.
WHAT TO DO?
Stay healthy – Engaging in a holistic approach to overall mental, physical, and spiritual well-being can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. Getting enough sleep and good sleep are two simple methods to enhance poor sleep. Exercising also stimulates the release of endorphins and adrenaline, which raises your spirits. To be healthy, you don’t need to go to a gym to be active. Playing with your kids, cleaning your house, or even going for a walk in the park might all help you stay active. What you put on the outside of yourself is just as essential as what you put into it on the inside. If you eat too few calories or meals that do not provide adequate vitamins and minerals, this can lead to symptoms of sadness and drowsiness.
Stay engaged – It’s all too easy to just sit and watch television when you’re sad. When you engage in activities with others, on the other hand, you can alleviate depression symptoms by doing so. The more socializing you do, the better you’ll feel. You may also enhance your social circle by attending events such as book readings and painting sessions. If you’re not currently in the workforce, you can look for opportunities to volunteer.
Seek help – Feelings of sadness are not uncommon, therefore you should never be embarrassed to seek assistance from a professional. Because elderly people are more vulnerable to adverse medication effects, antidepressants should be used with caution. Depression can be treated effectively using a combination of behavioral and pharmaceutical techniques. Therapy and lifestyle changes might help you overcome depression successfully. If you or a loved one are experiencing depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Avanti Senior Living at Towne Lake
Avanti Senior Living at Towne Lake provides a welcoming environment with on-site services and activities to enjoy. Our residents have access to a fitness center, beauty salon, library, and more. We also help our clients with medical appointments, transportation, and errands in addition to assisting them with medical visits.
Avanti Senior Living at Towne Lake uses a comprehensive approach to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We want to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being through a variety of activities while also providing residents with choice in a flourishing environment.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
