Depression is a disorder that affects the way you feel, behave, act, and think. It is a very common problem that has lead to a lot of brooding and thought amongst all generations as it is related not only to our seniors but to all age groups.
The more common types of depression that our seniors and older adults experience are:
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition
Psychotic depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Reasons For Depression
Reasons for depression can be changes in the brain and mood, excessive stress, or a medical diagnosis, or death of a loved one. Most common reasons are:
Medical conditions such as cancer, stroke, paralysis etc
Family history of depression
Stress
Sleeping problems
Loneliness
Addiction and/or alcoholism
Social isolation
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Below is a list of the common signs and symptoms that can be seen in depressed individuals:
Persistent sadness and anxiety
Feel hopeless, worthless, or helpless
Being Irritable and restless
Loss of interest in activities
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Sleep difficulty
Too much or too less eating
Thoughts of death or suicide
Ways to combat depression at home
Support friends and family
Seek medical treatment with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Do activities that you enjoy doing
Engage in physical activity to boost mood
Common treatment methods include:
Psychotherapy
Counseling
Medications
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS)
The best way to manage depression in older adults and seniors, if it is caused by loneliness and isolation, would be to get a companion for them (a caregiver) who will not only support and be with them to cut through their loneliness, but also will look after their healthcare and daily needs.
