Helping The Elderly Combat Depression

Depression in the elderly can often times be mistaken for other age-related problems such as the depression symptoms of loss of appetite, fatigue and problems concentrating.

There are several ways to help those we love who are elderly to fight back against depression. Depression in the elderly looks different from those who are young and have depression. Understanding the signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly individuals in your life can help you to support them, uplift them and give them the boost they may need to live a healthier life.

Older individuals suffering from depression may not express feelings of sadness as much as those who are younger and suffering from depression do.

Depression in the elderly can often times be mistaken for other age-related problems such as the depression symptoms of loss of appetite, fatigue and problems concentrating.

When an elderly person gets depressed they may stop doing daily tasks that they once did on a regular basis such as cleaning or personal hygiene or may stop participating in activities such as church or club meetings that used to be of interest to them.

The elderly today were the ones who grew up in  a time when mental illness held certain stigma and are therefore less likely to seek help.

They may also not seek help because of lack of available transportation to facilities for mental healthcare such as psychiatrist appointments or therapy or even trying to fill medications that may be needed. Those who are on fixed incomes and do not have adequate prescription coverage may elect to do seek help for fear of not being able to pay for the services.

Elderly depression patients who also have health, family conflict issues or money problems are more likely to be at a higher risk for suicide than those without these factors according to Paul Duberstein PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry and oncology as well as co-director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide.

Depression Lifestyle changes are not the only cause for depression in the elderly individual. There are other causes for depression in the elderly including isolation or lonliness, health issues that are long-term or sudden, medications can also trigger mood changes or have side effects that may trigger depression. Depression

Approximately 1/3 of all individuals over age 65 have been or are presently diagnosed with depression; that is how common the problem is in this age bracket. Older individuals do have choices that will enable them to combat depression. Choices such as community support programs that provide transportation to and from appointments, or programs that serve hot lunches to seniors who have limited mobility. Social programs for seniors that include lunches, activities, sports or games and crafts are available in most communities where there are significant populations of individuals over 65 years of age.

The main hurdle seems to be getting the initial help needed for evaluation and treatment.

Seniors need to have not only support for daily tasks and transportation but also to stay active physically and mentally. Exercise is an important way to combat depression in any age group but the elderly tend to have physical restrictions that limit the choices when it comes to exercise. Physicians can offer advise and may even refer the individual to physical therapy where they can learn what safe exercises to do in order to stay healthy physically and mentally.

Basically, the best way to combat depression in the elderly is for individuals who are 65 or older to actively seek support for daily activities so that they can remain functional as long as possible, and stay engaged in social activities that will keep them from feeling lonely. Social groups can also help them to stay physically active and mentally challenged which are also good ways to combat depression. The elderly need to be encouraged to seek professional care when they or loved ones suspect that they may be suffering from depression.

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