Senior Depression – 8 Best Ways To Remedy It
Depression is a common problem in seniors. It can cause them to feel sad, hopeless, and helpless. Depression can also lead to health problems and make it difficult for seniors to get the most out of life. If you ever had depression you know how it can take away your motivation, energy, and the desire to do things.
Someone experiencing mild senior depression may have some of these symptoms:
- Feeling sad or “empty” much of the time
- Not being interested in doing things for fun
- Loss of interest in sex
- Loss of energy or constant fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
The sooner senior depression gets recognized, the sooner treatments can start. Odds are that you have been in a place with someone who is depressed. Maybe they’re just irritable or less active, but if you listen to them and follow up on what they say, then there’s a good chance that they may be depressed.
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What Does It Looks Like?
Depression in seniors occurs when the elderly person experiences a loss of interest in daily activities for at least two weeks. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, significant weight loss during a period of time when the individual was eating normally, lack of sexual desire and activity, or feeling worthless or guilty daily. The World Health Organization estimates depression affects more than 120 million people worldwide each year, about 5% of whom are aged 60-plus.
In this article, we will introduce senior depression from different points of view, outline the problems that depressed seniors might encounter, and provide some tips on how to effectively deal with this mental health condition. Senior depression can have a variety of causes in seniors, such as the death of a loved one, social isolation, physical health problems, and medication side effects. When senior depression is not treated properly, it can lead to more serious problems such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.
Some common problems that depressed seniors face
Loneliness and social isolation
Depression can cause people to pull away from friends and family members, which can lead to a feeling of loneliness and isolation.
Poor physical health
People who are depressed often have poor physical health due to their lack of energy and motivation. This can cause weight gain and a decline in overall health.
Agitation and anxiety
The lack of energy that comes with senior depression can lead to feelings of frustration, agitation, and anxiety. This makes it hard for seniors to deal with problems as they come up.
Trouble sleeping
When someone is anxious or agitated, it’s harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. This leads to fatigue during the day and makes their depression worse.
What Can Seniors Do?
Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to help seniors with depression. Some of these include:
- Seeing a doctor or mental health professional. A doctor can help rule out any physical causes of senior depression and may prescribe medication if needed. A mental health professional can provide therapy and other treatment options.
- Joining a support group. This can help connect seniors with others who are dealing with depression and provide them with emotional support.
- Exercising regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-lifting effects. It can also improve physical health, which can help reduce symptoms of depression.
- Eating healthy foods. A balanced diet is important for overall health, including mental health. Poor nutrition can worsen symptoms of depression.
- Taking breaks from the internet and social media. Too much time on the internet or social media can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can trigger or worsen depression.
- Connecting with friends and family members. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve mood.
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol. Some seniors turn to drugs or alcohol as ways of coping with depression, but these can actually make things worse in the long run. They also increase the risk for accidents and injuries, so it’s important to avoid them if at all possible.
- Staying on track with medications and appointments. Seniors with depression should stay on top of medication schedules and doctor visits, even if they feel better or are having trouble scheduling time to see a doctor/mental health professional.
Conclusion
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. However, there are many things that can be done to help seniors deal with depression effectively. These include seeing a doctor or mental health professional, joining a support group, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. By following these tips, seniors can improve their mood and overall quality of life.
