Even though the elderly can experience depression like any other age group, they may face difficulties that other groups don't.Depression can contribute to illness, cardiac diseases, and prolong rehabilitation if it's not treated.Chronic pain, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, dementia and cancer all increase the risk of depression in the elderly.
Step 1: The risk of suicide should be assessed.
Depression can increase the likelihood of suicide in the elderly.Talking about wanting to kill oneself, feelings of being a burden on family or friends, and being in unbearable pain are some of the warning signs of suicide.
Step 2: Depression can be caused by bodily symptoms.
Older adults don't feel sad.They may complain of bodily symptoms related to depression, such as lethargy, low motivation, and physical problems.Symptoms of depression can be seen with unexplained pains and bodily aches.Aging can cause older adults to lose their mobility and functions.They might develop disabilities.Depression can be caused by declining bodily function.
Step 3: Insomnia can be treated.
Insomnia is a common problem for older adults, and it appears to be a factor in depression.One way to treat insomnia is to use relaxation exercises before bed.Try relaxing exercises such as deep breathing.It is possible to get prescription drugs for sleep problems through a doctor.melatonin is an over-the-counter effective alternative.
Step 4: You can talk to a doctor.
Talk to a medical provider if you experience pain.You may need treatment to help you cope with pain.You can talk to your doctor about any adverse side effects of your medication.Many elderly people suffer from back pain.Discuss treatment options with your doctor if you don't want to take medication.
Step 5: Do not drink alcohol.
Alcohol is not a good way to deal with emotional or physical pain.Alcohol can cause sleeping problems, interact negatively with prescription medication, increase feelings of depression, and encourage risky behavior.Once the alcohol is gone, the problems you have will be waiting for you, and it may provide a temporary relief from stress, physical pain or emotional hurt.
Step 6: Social support should be engaged.
Many older adults feel isolated.They may be cut off from friends and family if they are living alone in a nursing facility.Depression can be prevented and recovered from by social contact.It is possible to make a big difference in one's well-being by being close to loved ones.If family lives far away, consider staying connected through the phone or online.Make friends with other elderly people.Share dinner or watch a movie together.
Step 7: There is a sense of purpose.
Elderly people may feel like they don't have a reason to live.They see their identity as either being a mother or father or a career person.It might feel like there is no purpose now that the kids are grown.If you want, you can choose your own role.If there is no sense of purpose, create one.It can be as simple as "I choose to live every moment in fun and enjoyment" or " I want to devote my time to learning a new skill, like playing the violin."
Step 8: Enjoy your life.
Making time for enjoyable things will help with the symptoms of depression.Go do pastimes that bring you pleasure.These can include biking, crocheting, gardening, or cooking.It is possible to take a walk or enjoy nature.It's a good idea to find as many opportunities to laugh as you can.Tell funny stories and play board games with your friends.
Step 9: Work through loss.
People may experience more and more loss as they age.It is possible that parents, siblings, partners, and friends will pass away more frequently.If many significant people have passed it can be difficult to deal with loss after loss.Depression is normal when you are sad and grieve the loss.It is possible that the person is losing all sense of hope and joy.There are two books on how to cope with grief and a grieving person.
Step 10: Take part in exercise.
There are a lot of exercises you can do if you have limited mobility.Exercise can be used to treat depression, without the side effects.To get some activity in each day, go for a walk, do some light housework, and play with the kids.You can use weights to build muscle.Water aerobics or light stretching can be used if you prefer gentle workouts.
Step 11: Volunteer.
You can help others and make friends at the same time.Volunteers are able to connect with others and combat depression more effectively because of the large part of depression that is isolation.It is possible to feel a sense of purpose by volunteering.Do small tasks for a local non-profit or volunteer with children and animals.
Step 12: Talk to a mental health professional.
Depression can be treated with therapy.It is possible for therapy to alter negative thought patterns and help to discover ways to live a fulfilling life.Losing mobility and independence, loss, and grieving can be difficult to work through with therapy.There are long-term illnesses and health issues that can contribute to feelings of depression.Death and dying are fears that counseling can help with.You can find information on how to encourage someone to see a therapist.
Step 13: Ask about medication.
If you think medication can be used to treat depression, talk to your doctor.He or she can determine if a depression medication is right for you by explaining your symptoms.Some medications can't be mixed with others.Make sure to keep your medical chart handy.Ask your doctor if depression is a side effect of your medication.If so, ask if there are alternatives.
Step 14: ECT is a type of therapy.
ECT is sometimes used in older adults who can't take medication for depression due to side effects or other drug interactions, or for those who are affected by depression that cannot perform daily functions.Small currents are delivered to the brain in order to create small seizures.Seizures can cause rewiring of the brain and help with depression.ECT may have some side effects, but current practices use anesthesia.It is much safer than it was when first introduced.