Depression in Seniors

Depression in seniors can be hard to understand but it does exist. As people get older they find that the kids don’t need them like they use to, their careers are now replaced with retirement, and all that time that they have free now is filled with empty days and nights. At first it may be exciting to have all that free time but it soon wears down a person inside, especially if they are used to the everyday pace of life.

Understanding depression is very important for anyone working or living with seniors. Everyone becomes sad or lonely sometimes, this is normal. But when someone is depressed it goes much deeper than the normal sadness even you may experience. When someone is truly depressed they experience such symptoms as their normal activity, physical being and appearance, their way of thinking, or their behavior. Depression can cause muscle aches that won’t go away, loss of interest in activities that they normally enjoy, and the feeling of being empty.

Depression shouldn’t be diagnosed right away due to the fact that the person may not be suffering from depression and just has a simple case of the blues. But for those who experience any of the following symptoms for more than a couple of weeks should see their doctor.

• Feeling empty
• No interest in what usually makes them happy
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Feeling of not being worthy
• Feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or helpless
• Crying uncontrollably
• Aches and pains that keep reoccurring after seeing a doctor
• Unable to tolerate being around people
• Either thoughts of suicide or actually attempting suicide

It’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible to diagnose depression and to find out how you can live with the symptoms. You can also improve the condition or completely overcome depression with the help of a professional. Originally your family physician can see you and recommend treatment or even refer you to a professional that can help with depression.

It’s important to find out what is causing your depression and that will be the goal of the professional. If you are already taking medication one of the side effects of some medication is depression so your doctor may simply need to change your medication. Other people may be depressed due to their current financial status, friends or family problems, a death in the family or of a friend, and more. Once your doctor finds out the cause of your depression you can face the problem head on and conquer it. Results cannot normally be felt immediately but it will happen.

Seniors with depression will normally turn away from family or friends who want to help. But that is because they want to be left alone. As a caregiver it is important to be patient and stay with them even when they don’t necessarily want you to. Your persistence will pay off. Depression can affect everyone around you but only you can stop it.