Posts Tagged ‘Depression Symptoms’

Many people don’t think about the elderly but they can also suffer from depression. In fact, due to the changes that occur in their lives, they are at an increased risk. If you have an elderly parent or friend, learn to identify the risks of depression and then get help.

Age itself can be a factor in depression. The body slows down and also begins to have problems as you age. The older generation is more prone to illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia. In women, especially, bone loss can lead to debilitating breaks and fractures.

Many elderly people who suffer from depression have had major life changes to occur. They have lost loved ones or friends and the circle of social contacts get smaller each year of their life. Their children are grown and may not be around to spend time with them or take care of them.

The elderly are prone to taking a lot of medications for various conditions. Managing those medications and their side effects can lead to despair and hopelessness.

Other risk factors for the elderly include:

* Family history of depression and/or suicide
* Substance abuse
* Living in a nursing home
* Loss of independence
* Living alone
Elderly who live alone aren’t necessary alone. They may have a group of friends that they actively meet with. The persons to watch are those who are withdrawn from group activities and keep to themselves.

Those elderly persons who are at risk are also more likely to end their lives. Suicide may seem like an answer to their problems and a way for them to reunite with deceased spouses and friends. Suicide also becomes a choice when they are faced with terminal or debilitating illnesses that leave them almost totally dependent on others.

Don’t dismiss depression symptoms in the elderly as getting old. There could be a real problem beneath the surface and ignoring the signs can be fatal.

Are you suffering from depression? Right now you probably don’t know what to think. Nothing in your life is making sense. It hasn’t for a while but now that you know what it is, you feel lonelier than ever.

Depression is an illness like any other. It has causes, symptoms, risk factors and also treatment options. The best thing for you to do now is to become familiar with all of this information. There is power in knowledge.

While you are pursuing that goal, here are a few things that will enlighten you. Hopefully they will give you the strength that you need to fight back and win. Read each one carefully and let it sink in.

1. You did not cause your depression. Depression happens to people. There is not always a rhyme or reason to it. Even if a family member has been diagnosed, you are not to blame for that either. Also, just because you have been diagnosed, doesn’t mean that your children will be affected either.
2. Depression can be treated. One of the key things here will be your level of commitment and compliance. Sticking with a course of treatment is essential to diminish your symptoms.
3. Don’t let fear get you down. Fear doesn’t have to be your enemy. Use it to motivate you to stay in your support group, keep weekly appointments with a therapist and also take your antidepressants. Squash that fear of success before it can take root and ruin all of your hard work.
4. No one wants to see you fail. That is your depressed persona talking. Your family and friends want you to get better. They know that you will have bad days and don’t expect it to be easy but they are on your side.

You don’t have to live with depression symptoms any longer. Let the people you love help you to find the right treatment that will get you back to feeling good.