Elderly depression is real and shouldn’t be ignored. Recognize the signs of elderly depression in your aging parents.
Depression can happen to anyone, and even at any age. A clinically diagnosed mental disorder, depression really is more than just being sad. It affects anyone regardless of background, social status, income, or achievements.
For aging people, like your elderly parents, depression may easily develop as part of getting older. This is true especially since there are many changes that are happening to them at this age.
Elderly Depression
Elderly depression can impact every aspect of your life. Unfortunately, not everyone can recognize the signs. In fact, even the one suffering from elderly depression may not even know that they have it.
Elderly people are also often isolated, so no one really knows how they are doing. You, as the elderly, may also attribute what you’re feeling to your condition or the things you’re going through. You may also be reluctant to express what you feel or seek help.
Signs and symptoms of elderly depression include:
- sadness
- feelings of despair and hopelessness
- unexplained aches and pains
- loss of interest in socializing
- loss of interest in hobbies
- weight loss or lack of appetite
- lack of motivation
- feelings of helplessness
- difficulty sleeping
- decreased self-worth
- self-loathing
- believing self to be a burden
- slowed movement or speech
- increased alcohol or drug use
- fixation on dying
- thoughts on suicide
- memory problems
- neglecting hygiene
Causes of elderly depression
Causes of elderly depression may include:
- increasing health problems and decreasing sense of well-being
- loneliness
- isolation
- reduced sense of purpose
- fears
- uncertainty
- recent losses or bereavements
Take note as well that depression in the elderly may also be a by product of other disorders or diseases such as cancer, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and many others.
It is still best to consult with a physician and psychologist regarding your or an elderly parent’s depression. When necessary, you can also have them go to an elderly daycare and assisted living facility such as Big Hearts. For inquiries, call or text us at 09565012540.