Winter Blues

During this season there is a much deeper focus on seniors\’ mental health. Data has shown us that the seriousness of the season is depression in our elders, with more than 19 million seniors in America, wrestling with the condition every year.

With treatment available only a certain percentage of senior\’s access treatment for depression which tells us that millions of seniors continue to struggle with this illness. Depression wasn\’t always an open topic causing many seniors too embarrass to admit they need help.

It\’s important to recognize when your loved one is enduring depression and realize it\’s not a normal part of growing old and should be taken seriously just like every other health condition. Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms is key to assisting one with depression.

Depression among Seniors

Many seniors are prone to depression during this time of year with many key factors that play a part such as, preexisting health conditions, death of loved one, and loneliness.

Loneliness & Isolation

Many seniors suffer from isolation from those they love and often experience loneliness. According to the CDC, roughly 4% of older adults aged 70 and older suffer from depression. However, this does depend on several factors including age, gender, race, income, health, living situation, and employment. Loneliness has been shown to also affect one\’s physical health, which can also contribute to depression.

Mobility Impairments

Mobility impairments can affect seniors\’ mental health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation due to the inability of ones\’ independence.

Recent Bereavement

Seniors may be especially vulnerable when losing a spouse, losing a lifetime of shared experiences can impact ones\’ mental health causing depression and the sense of loneliness. Friends may pass leaving their social circle no longer.

Loss of Independence

Many elders struggle to age in place and even if they have the ability to, they may become more dependent on others for assistance with their day-to-day tasks. This can give the senior the feeling as if they are a burden on their friends or family. In some cases, they may have to move into a facility causing even more of an emotional toll.

Symptoms of Depression Among Seniors

As we have learned, many seniors won\’t admit when they are experiencing depression. They may feel ashamed and don\’t want to ask for help for fear of being a burden to their loved ones. In some cases, they may not even realize they are experiencing depression and just may assume they are feeling a little down.

This is why as a caregiver and loved one it\’s important to recognize the signs of depression. What\’s clear, is the signs of depression may not always be visual to ones\’ eye. Here are some signs one might look out for.

Low Mood

Low mood is a term of feeling sad and with most seniors who endure depression, may feel a sense of sadness, but may also feel the sense of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Loss of Appetite

Depression can also affect other things such as ones\’ appetite. Keeping track of your loved ones\’ meals can assist with noticing if they are skipping out on any meals. If one is actively skipping out on any meals, this may be the fault of a lost appetite. Although you may not be present during mealtime, keeping an eye out for things such as weight loss can assist with noticing if one is skipping out on any meals.

Change in Sleep Patterns

Change in sleep patterns such as one not getting enough sleep or finding it difficult to sleep is a sign of indicative of depression. Noticing patterns such as one sleeping too much or not enough are signs to be aware of.

Seniors with depression might find it difficult to fall asleep that could be linked to worrying about life or feeling anxious.

Fatigue

You may notice with one suffering from depression they may also suffer from extreme fatigue. This is often due from the lack or inability to sleep causing one to feel exhausted.

Other Recognizable Signs

Of course there are other signs a senior may endure such as, suicidal thoughts, alcohol or substance abuse, low-self-esteem, and apathy. However, being able to recognize these signs will allow you to better assist your loved one.

Treating Senior Depression

Just like any other mental health condition, depression can be treated properly. With understanding and support from the family, this may put them at ease with acknowledging that they may suffer from depression.

It is important to seek treatment as soon as one notice change within their loved one for unresolve treatment can lead to more damage. Here are some suggestions of proper treatment.

Support Groups

Being able to share your thoughts and feelings with others who may be enduring the same or have been through something similar can often help lift some pain off ones\’ shoulders.

For those elders who are going through death or illness, may be able to seek comfort from support groups. One may even be able to learn of other avenues of professional help.

Psychotherapy/Counseling

There are many therapy groups or counselors available that are knowledgeable and experience within depression. Speaking with a counselor regarding your concerns and feelings can assist with relieving anxieties and is usually coupled with other psychotherapies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychotherapy commonly used for those enduring depression. This assist with identifying negative behaviors or patterns as well as figuring out ways to change them.

Therapy not only assist with minimizing ones\’ depression, but it also may work with preventing future episodes.

Medications

The doctor may prescribe medication, and this sometimes can leave one feeling a bit intimidated, but don\’t be. With a consultation with your doctor and consistent counseling this combo can assist one with successful progress.

Coping with Senior Depression

Seeking treatment is one way to cope with depression, but there are many other ways to assist with depression as well.

Finding a New Hobby

Finding a new hobby or reliving that old hobby that was put on the back burner can assist with occupying ones\’ mind, providing one with a challenge that will make them look forward to that newfound hobby each day. Learning a new skill can also give one a sense of purpose.

Stay Active

Living a more active lifestyle can benefit your physical health, it can also assist with ones\’ mental health. Seniors who wrestle with depression may find a sense of relief from their symptoms by staying active.

Caring for a Pet

Caring for a pet as small as a cat or dog has shown to reduce symptoms of depression. Some often refer to pet therapy that is used as a recognize treatment by the mental health experts. Pets can also provide companionship for elders who may live alone. If loneliness is an issue for some seniors, then a pet can often alleviate this feeling. Taking them on walks and exercise, can also get one out the house.

Other Coping Mechanism

Of course, there are other coping mechanisms one can use when experiencing depression such as, eating healthy, and obtaining a tablet to video friends and family. These are somethings that can assist one with coping with mental health.

Resources for Seniors with Depression

Staying abreast, having extra support, and learning new ways to assist your loved one with depression can be done with joining different organizations that educate and support those who suffer from depression. Just to name a few.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
• Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Seeking a helping hand from a home care agency can assist a senior with companionship, creating a care plan designed for them specifically. Being sure to seek all avenues of assist for your loved one can make a difference in their life.