Treating Depression in Senior Citizens

Treating Depression in Senior Citizens

One of the most common ailments in older adults, across gender and social class is Depression. Even though this illness is common, it is often understood as a normal symptom of old age and symptoms are neglected, often not receiving appropriate treatment till increased complications arise.

As an institution committed to senior care and holistic well being, we make identifying and addressing mental illnesses a priority before their roots become deeper. Before looking at treatment options, let us first look at what it really means and common symptoms that go ignored.

Depression in the Elderly

Senior citizens may develop depression due to a wide range of reasons including genes, shocking life events such as the death of a spouse, stress of finances, and personal disease history.

When someone in their family has already suffered depression or if they themselves have suffered it in the past, the risks of developing it in their old age increase. Certain diseases and their treatments like diabetes, cancer, or heart diseases also can take a toll on their mental health. On the contrary, having depression can also make these diseases and their treatment more difficult. 

While major depression is not as common as minor depression can often develop into major depression if not treated at the right time. 

Identifying Symptoms

The first step of the treatment then is identifying symptoms before it’s too late.

Regularly engaging them in conversation and observing their lifestyle choices is a good way of noticing these signs. An important thing to note here is that do not dismiss these as temporary changes or effects of their medicines or diseases. Acknowledge that they may genuinely be struggling and speak to them about it with an open mind.

Here are some of the early signs you should be on the lookout for:

• Sad or Anxious Moods for a Prolonged Time

• Restlessness or Irritability

• Feeling hopeless or helpless

• Decreased Energy

• Increasing Disinterest or Disorientation

• Difficulty Focusing 

• Insomnia or Oversleeping

• Body Pains Without Physical Injuries that Cannot Be Treated

• Sudden Changes in Diet

• Frequent Crying

Treating Depression

After you have identified these symptoms, the first step would be taking them to a therapist and getting professional help. If they recommend any medication, be sure to check with your regular doctor and make sure they can be taken with any ongoing treatments.

Aside from medical help, here are some things you should be doing at home too:

1. Stay Connected

Decreasing social support at old ages can be one of the most common reasons for depression. If you find them distancing themselves from the world, be the one to reach out to them. Play fun games, watch movies together, go to restaurants or just talk to them 1-on-1.

Just spending time with you can lighten their mood. You can also introduce them to senior communities, or neighborhood yoga and laughing clubs. Getting them a pet can also be a great way of providing them the companionship they may feel like they have lost.

2. Help Them Find Meaning

Disinterest in life or a lack of passion for something they have been doing for a long time can make them feel purposeless. When this happens, you should guide them towards new interests and activities in which they can find joy.

Some fun activities to take up are writing a memoir, attending new workshops, engaging in arts and crafts, or even traveling. If volunteering is something they would like to do, they could do things like teaching young students. If they stop making an effort to dress up every morning, give them a reason to by taking them to new places.

A few things you can try at home are cooking together or exercising every morning.

Physical movement and new interests could spark interest in their brain and motivate them to be more active again.

3. Healthy Habits

Healthy habits include exercising every day, eating a balanced diet, getting proper sleep, and keeping their body engaged.

Make sure that they are not suddenly changing their diet and following a standard adult meal size. Working out does not mean anything strenuous. It can be something as simple as walking or swimming, things they can keep up with.

These activities will help them treat their insomnia and prevent oversleeping by introducing a timetable to their day. 

4. Professional Help

This includes anything from a therapist to medication to support groups. But while these are important, we strongly believe that these alone cannot help treat depression for the long term and must be supported by the above activities for their overall well being.

If you need more support or information on any of the above-mentioned tips, feel free to contact us at Antara Senior Living. Forming and working regularly with senior citizens has encouraged us to be as proactive with their wellness as possible. We would love to hear from you and help you figure this out.