Would you be able to spot the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one?
Many people think that seniors have lots to be happy about. They’re retired, they no longer have to spend their time in the school pickup line, and many other perks that others would be jealous of.
But seniors actually experience a lot of loneliness and pain that the rest of us don’t usually see, and it’s crucial to watch out for signs that they’re becoming depressed before it causes any deeper issues. Depression can be very disabling.
And in seniors, it can even cause problems with memory and attention, greatly increasing the disability that accompanies medical problems, including heart disease.
According to a CDC Survey conducted in 2011, individuals aged 65 to 74 years and older reported feeling sadness at some point, and with valid reasons.
Many retirees go through the loss of a spouse or close friends, physical disability, loss of independence, and other conditions that come with aging. So, what exactly should we be looking out for? Continue reading as we discover the signs and ways to cope with depression.
5 Responses
I have been depressed for years.I,m under so much stress taking care of my older sick friends who have passed from cancer and my now husband whos 96 broke his ankle the end of May.He still is using a walker and going to therapy.I have no friends here and am alone a lot.I feel so lost and hopeless.I hardly ever laugh or smile and cry out of the blue for NO REASON OR BECAUSE I FEEL SO LOST I HAVE NO LIFE AND NO LOVE AND NO FRIENDS..I,M SO TIRED OF LIVING
I have tried every Avenue to find a therapist for treating my depression and anxiety and to no avail. I’m 85, on Medicare and Medicaid and I need a therapist who is well versed on medication. I’ve tried everything my GP
has suggested. There is no known help in my area???
Hello Laura, I am so sorry to hear that you have had a difficult time finding a therapist. I don’t know where you live but there are many platforms that offer virtual therapy. I know it is a unfamiliar concept and people tend to shy away from it. However, It can be as helpful as in-person. As long as the therapist is licensed in the same state that you reside, they can provide therapy services and don’t have to live in the same town as you. I hope this would help you. For example, I accept Medicare and see clients virtually. Here are three reliable platforms that you can check out to see if you can find a therapist: Alma, Headway, and Sondermind. I hope this helps you.
i wake up some mornings and im afraid and i dont have any idea why
I am 76 yrs old widowed, and very involved in my church. I turn to Jesus and pray a lot. I go to church every Sunday. I’m Catholic. I’m happy. My 4 children are busy most of the time, and all the friends I have most of them are close to my age, some much younger, and alone as well. Most widows or widowers. I have always be spiritual, and have clung to my Creator, my God. I have heart problems, slow growing lung cancer, gout, and this year spent a week in the hospital with Covid pneumonia. My loving, friends have prayed and pulled me through. These are like minded people. Spiritual, prayerful people. We all have problems of every kind, but know if we seek the Kingdom of God first, all these things will pass and He will sustain us. Find yourself a church, participate, join, get out of the house even if for an hour or two. You won’t need pills and a shrink.