Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

By William Smith

If you believe that your loved one is depressed , talk to your loved one about the symptoms that you are seeing. He or she may not even be aware of their depression. It is common for a depressed person to not recognize their depression. Given his or her  state of mind, the loved one may need help in describing their symptoms and how it is affecting their personal life to their physician. You as a person that has seen your loved one react differently to past circumstances and can  be a great resource in  helping the doctor with a diagnosis.

1. Persistent sadness, anxiety, or empty mood

2. Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, family, or friends

3. Decreased energy, listlessness, fatigue, feeling ” slowed down ” in the morning

4. Sleep problems and changes in sleep patterns ( can’t get to sleep, oversleeping, waking up too early)

5. Eating problems and changes in eating patterns or foods consumed ( weight loss or gain, gain or loss in appetite)

6. Difficulty in concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

7. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

8. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness

9. Thoughts of suicide or death

10. Irritability

11. Excessive crying, sometimes without reason

12. Recurring aches and pains ( headaches, back aches) that don’t respond to treatment.

Depression affects people who are older differently. They may experience just a few symptoms on the list . These symptoms can occur with certain chronic conditions or as side effects of  medication. Depression, as a result, can be overlooked by loved ones.

Being depressed is not a normal part of aging.  Left untreated, depressed  people are less likely to survive heart attacks, cancer, stroke and are twice as likely to commit suicide.  I urge a you to take your loved one to their primary care physician as soon as possible ..depression in most cases is treatable.

One more thing to add, loneliness breeds depression. Make sure that you spend quality time with your loved one. It is not just taking that person to the doctor and then get the diagnosis and get a treatment…they need YOUR PRESENCE.

For additional information on Depression , please follow this link:  Depression

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Did You Know?

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If you’re ready to Age Forward and begin your own transformation and your heart and soul are saying, “ Lets Do this!” ,  I hope you’ll take the leap with us and contact us at will@gaylifeafter40.com