October 23, 2017

Elderly Depression

Watching someone deal with depression is tough. Making it even more difficult is watching your parents deal with it. To watch the people who have guided you through life suffer is hard to deal with, especially when you remember how happy and full of life they were. There are numerous things that can cause depression, some of the signs for which we have described below.

Antisocial behavior
Was your loved one the life of the party before and now not so much? Not wanting company or staying inside all day are signs of depression in the elderly.

Mood swings
Is your loved one happy and energetic one moment then sad the next? If you feel like the mood change didn’t start from anything specific there could be an underlying issue.

Aging
Growing old between the sore joints, memory loss and doctors’ appointments can all wear on a person. Not being able to do everything like you did as a younger person is not easy.

Loss
Losing a loved one is hard for anyone but especially difficult for the elderly. When your family grows up and it’s just you and your spouse in the house then they pass away, depression and loneliness is common. Losing a child is not expected and usually the most difficult to deal with.

Changes in appearance
Dirty clothes, messy hair and an overall lack of care about appearances can be a sign of depression.

To help your loved ones who you think are suffering from depression we have put together a list of somethings to help.

Seek medication
While your loved one might put up a fight medication for mental illness can be beneficial. With properly managed medication it can help boost moods and manage depression.

Set goals
Develop a list with your loved one of goals they can achieve to help overcome depression. This list will help them have goals to look forward to.

Create a support system
Make sure your loved ones know you are there for them. Stop by and chat with them often so they are always reminded they are loved and cared for.

Encourage therapy
Talking to a professional can lift weight off of their shoulders. If your loved one isn’t comfortable talking to you then seeking professional help is a good idea. Therapy helps them air their problems and as a bonus gets them out of the house.

Don’t smother them
It’s great to be there for your loved one to talk and be around, but avoid taking over their tasks. Many people like to continue their own chores and responsibilities as they age, it’s okay to offer help but not to take over.

You don’t want your loved ones to feel they are suffering alone. Do not ignore any signs or symptoms, do what you think is most appropriate and make sure to get them help.