Depression in seniors.
Some of the causes of depression in older adults are the loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression. Another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness.HelpGuide.org states that the most common causes of depression in seniors are:
- Loneliness and isolation - Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
- Reduced sense of purpose - Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
- Health problems - Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
- Medications - Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.
- Fears - Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
- Recent bereavement - The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
- Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
- Weight loss; loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
- Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- Hopelessness
- Helplessness
- Anxiety and worries
- Memory problems
- Loss of feeling of pleasure
- Slowed movement
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)
- Invite your loved one out. Suggest activities to do together that your loved one used to enjoy.
- Schedule regular social activities.
- Plan and prepare healthy meals.
- Encourage the person to follow through with treatment.
- Make sure all medications are taken as instructed. Remind the person to obey doctor's orders about the use of alcohol while on medication. Help them remember when to take their dose.
- Watch for suicide warning signs.
- Getting out in to the world. Connecting to others - Limit the time you’re alone.
- Participating in activities you enjoy.
- Volunteering your time - Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective.
- Taking care of a pet.
- Learning a new skill.
- Enjoying jokes and stories.
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
- Exercising.
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