Depression in Senior Citizens
It's clear to me that depression among Seniors often goes unnoticed outside of geriatric care settings. As family members and caregivers, it's crucial for us to recognize the signs and symptoms that can impact our senior loved ones. In this post, I'll point out five warning signs to keep a close eye on and five practical strategies to help them through it.
Warnings - Red Flags - Causes for Concern
1. Persistent Sadness: If your loved one seems consistently down or hopeless for a prolonged period, it could indicate depression. It's normal for seniors to feel sad, especially when they start losing friends or feeling left out. Pay attention to intense sadness that lingers for weeks instead of the usual few days of sadness after a loss or change.
2. Social Withdrawal: When seniors are dealing with depression, they might start avoiding social events and interactions. The excuses for staying home could pile up, like opting for grocery delivery despite being able to shop independently before. Keep an eye out for them turning down visitors by blaming a messy house or fatigue. If this pattern persists for a long time, it's a sign that your loved one is isolating themselves.
3. Changes in Appetite: Keep an eye out for significant and sudden changes in weight, as these may signal underlying emotional distress. While fluctuations in weight are common with life's ups and downs, pay attention to extreme changes. Your loved one's eating habits could be a way for them to signal distress without being able to express it in words.
4. Sleep Disruptions: Insomnia or oversleeping can indicate depression in seniors. It's normal for sleep patterns to shift as we get older, but if you notice your loved one not sleeping for days or snoozing for over 12 hours, it's a clear sign that they may need support.
5. Lack of Interest: When your loved one loses interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy, it's a significant warning sign. This sign can easily go unnoticed, so it's crucial to pay close attention. While some hobbies may be set aside due to physical limitations like stiff fingers or poor eyesight, if your loved one is in good health and capable of engaging in their favorite pastimes, it might be time for a heartfelt conversation. Showing interest in activities beyond oneself signals a healthy mind. By asking a few simple questions and lending a listening ear, you could reignite their passion for their hobbies.
Plans - Techniques - Methods of Help
So, when you discover that your beloved senior is dealing with depression, what can you do to help them feel confident and assured once again? Here are 5 tried and true strategies to support your loved one through their journey with depression.
1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity has proven to uplift mood and reduce depression symptoms. Some new options like chair and wall exercises, as well as indoor walking (in spaces like the living room or kitchen), have become popular. These activities are suitable for individuals of any fitness level to start. Introducing them to exercise apps on their cell phone or providing step-by-step picture guides can be a great way to break a sedentary routine linked to feelings of depression.
2. Social Engagement: Keep your loved ones connected with friends, family, and community activities. While it's a reality that as we age, we may lose touch with some friends and family, there are ways to counter the loneliness. Encourage them to join senior groups, participate in community events, and be part of family gatherings that include interactions with younger members. These social connections can make a significant difference in reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Therapy and Counseling: It can be helpful for your loved one to seek support from therapy sessions or join support groups. Sometimes, intense feelings of regret about past decisions, missed opportunities, or imagining different life paths can create challenges that therapy can address. Remember, age is never a barrier, and anyone can benefit from consistent therapy, regardless of their stage in life. Therapists can provide valuable guidance and a safe space to work through complex emotions and thoughts.
4. Healthy Diet: Maintaining a well-balanced diet is key to keeping mental well-being in check. When eating alone, it's easy to opt for convenient but less nutritious choices like crackers, cheese, or a quick bowl of cereal. While these foods may seem harmless in the short term, they can lead to serious health issues over time. Encouraging the consumption of adequate protein, vegetables, and healthy fats and staying hydrated can benefit both the body and cognitive function. Ensure that your loved one can prepare and enjoy nutritious meals independently. If not, explore alternative ways to guarantee they receive the necessary nutrients and fluids for their well-being.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Seniors can benefit greatly from practices like meditation to tackle stress and boost their mental well-being. Meditation is all about directing your attention to a specific object, thought, or activity to find mental clarity and emotional peace. Deep breathing exercises are fantastic for circulating oxygen throughout the body, including the brain, and can help lower heart rate and blood pressure. Another meditation idea could involve reading favorite devotionals and engaging in daily prayer. These simple practices can make a big difference in promoting a sense of calm and enhancing overall mental health for seniors.
It's important to recognize that mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected. Seniors with untreated depression may experience exacerbation of physical health conditions. It’s also important to note that chronic illnesses can also contribute to strong feelings of depression. By addressing mental health concerns and incorporating strategies to combat them, we can positively impact the overall well-being of our seniors.
Let's spread awareness and support each other in addressing depression in our senior community. Remember, a listening ear and compassionate heart can make a world of difference.
Let’s Go! BE-Encouraged,
Jamal Jones, LMFT
“Aging has a wonderful beauty, and we should have respect for that.”
