My earliest memories of actually seeing depression in elderly people is from years ago when my own grandmother was a resident at Castle 'Nursing Homes in Holmes County.
I remember taking my children there to visit their great grandmother. Upon arriving we would find that she was in the dining room and as we walked through the room to get to my grandmother she would say' "There's my granddaughter and my great grand children", One by one all of the other residents would say "they're my grandchildren, and another no, they're my grandchildren'".
I recall always feeling good that we came to visit, but also sad that so many of the elderly residents seemed to be forgotten by friends and family, haying few or no visitors at all.
It is estimated that 15 out of every 100 adults will experience a depressive episode at some time during their elderly years. At some time in everyone's life we sometimes are sad or just as they say "down in the dumps" but depression is different.
When we are sad we can still continue with our day to day activities but when a person is depressed their symptoms interfere with their normal ability to function on a day to day basis.
Many do not realize that depression is a serious medical illness caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. If left untreated depression can sometimes last months or even years.
Some common symptoms of depression in older adults are:
- A constant sadness ( lasting nearly all day for two weeks or more)
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Pacing and fidgeting
- Frequent tearfulness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive worries about health and financial problems
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Changes in weight
- Physical problems
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Recurring thoughts of suicide or death
Sometimes other physical illnesses can trigger depression in many older adults such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc. The good` news is that there are treatments for depression such as counseling and medication. The most effective therapy for adults is a combination of the two. It is important to also let your doctor know what other medications you are taking so that they may effectively prescribe what is best for your treatment.
Along with counseling and medication there are other things that can be done to help you along the way such as exercising, watching your diet and reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol.
For more information about depression contact the following organizations:
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