Depression is like a dark cloud in our mind and so often the person suffering from it cannot seem to find the light through the darkness. It plays on our minds, weakens our thoughts, and makes us feel less worthy of life than we are. It’s a sense of hopelessness we can’t seem to outrun. Depression in seniors is more common than one would think. As the people we love start leaving us, we may find ourselves alone and unable to form new meaningful connections. If you are worried about your loved one and have a suspicion they may be caught in the dreadful clutches of depression we have a list of symptoms and ways you can help them get out of this dark place.
What Leads to Depression?
Before you seek out treatments it’s good to understand what causes people to experience depression in the first place. If someone has a family history of depression, it can ensue. If someone has been experiencing persistent grieving due to a loss of a loved one or a change in their life, it can ensue. If someone has suffered a traumatic event in their past or present, it can ensue. Financial problems, isolation, substance abuse, and the fear of dying all can cause depression. Depression can also go unnoticed as many other physical conditions share the same symptoms as depression. It could also be due to a biological change causing a chemical imbalance in the brain. Certain medications can also cause a chemical imbalance or mood swings.
See the Signs
Depression looks different in everyone and not everyone carries their sadness the same way. However, there are a few outstanding indicators that you may want to look out for yourself or for your loved one. If you are noticing that your loved one has actively withdrawn themselves from society, has lost interest in things they once used to love, and has been sleeping an excessive amount, they may be suffering from depression. They could also have developed a poor appetite, begun to forget things more often, have neglected basic hygiene and may be quicker to anger than they were before. The symptoms may not be the same in everyone but if there are enough of said symptoms that you are seeing in the person you love, enough for you to be reading this article, then a trip to the doctor to get a diagnosis is paramount.
Treatments
Symptoms can be reduced well enough that eventually, you could go off medication. However, whether this is sustained for the remainder of your life is not guaranteed. It’s best to recognize these symptoms early on as the earlier you seek help the higher the chances of recovery. Many healthcare providers are good at spotting the signs early, especially in the elderly and you can ask one of them if your suspicions are right. Treatments come in the form of medication, therapy sessions, and changes in lifestyle. If depression is caused by other mental or physical illnesses, it will often be cured alongside it.
Mental health is often overlooked in its importance. It should be treated as seriously as physical health because, without a healthy mind, a healthy body cannot function. At Regency Pointe we are dedicated to helping you overcome obstacles in your life. With mental health programs dedicated to keeping you the most mentally strong you can be. Feel free to contact us to find out more about what we have to offer.
