Do you feel off-kilter and unable to function day after day? Have you lost your desire to socialize with friends and family? You could be suffering from the symptoms of sadness, but the good news is that it’s treatable. Depression among the elderly is quite prevalent, whether caused by prescription drugs, dementia, or age. But, some warning signs may help you identify it.
Anyone, regardless of age, can be affected by depression. However, it may be tough to detect the indicators of sadness in your elderly family members, and they might have a hard time recognizing them in themselves. Recognizing some of these signs 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
Despite these indicators and symptoms of depression, they might be caused by the adverse effects of drugs, particularly if you’re taking several at once. Because we metabolize medicines less efficiently as we get older, the elderly are more susceptible to their side effects.
In addition to specific medications, certain medical conditions can cause confusion and attention deficits, which resemble symptoms of depression either directly or indirectly.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE SYMPTOMS
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Lupus
You could be suffering from the symptoms of sadness, but the good news is that it’s treatable.
WHAT TO DO?
Stay healthy – A holistic approach to mental, physical, and spiritual well-being has a significant influence on depressive symptoms. Getting enough rest and getting good sleep are two simple things you can do to relieve depression’s sleep difficulties. Exercising is another important strategy to address depression. Exercising boosts your mood by releasing endorphins and adrenaline. You don’t need to go to a gym to get exercise…you can walk, clean your house, or even garden for the same benefits. What you put inside of your body is just as important as what you do on the outside. Eating insufficient calories or eating the wrong types of foods can have an effect on your body and its functions.
Stay engaged – When you’re feeling sad, you may not feel like doing anything. However, engaging with others is one of the greatest techniques to combat depression symptoms. The more you socialize, the better you will feel. You can also increase your social circle by enrolling in activities such as book clubs, art workshops, or exercise classes. Take a walk, shop, or see a friend if you can. However, keep in mind that socializing does not have to be face-to-face. Even communication via email or phone may help to lift your spirits. So, go ahead and stay engaged; it will do you good! According to legend, laughter is the greatest remedy.
Seek help – Feelings of sadness are quite common, so you should never be ashamed to seek professional assistance. Because elderly persons are more susceptible to the adverse effects of prescription drugs, antidepressants for them should be taken cautiously. Depression can be treated with a variety of behavioral and pharmacological techniques. Therapeutic measures such as counseling and lifestyle adjustments may be quite successful. Medication, on the other hand, only treats the symptoms of depression rather than its underlying cause. Every aspect of your life – from work to social to personal – might change as a result of lifestyle modifications.
Many seniors may feel depressed but do not recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, and therefore do not know what to do to help themselves. Just know that you can take steps to change how you feel.
Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines
Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines offers residents a supportive environment with several on-site amenities and activities to enjoy. Our residents have access to a fitness center, beauty salon, library, and more. Plus, we have a full calendar of events and outings for residents to enjoy. We also offer transportation services for medical appointments, shopping trips, and other errands.
The holistic approach to care at Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines helps to eliminate the need for mood-stabilizing drugs. Empowering residents to take an active role in their wellness, our supportive living community provides the perfect atmosphere for those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
