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Senior Depression
You can actually save somebody's life just by reading this. Do you know how to spot senior depression or depression experienced by older adults, aged 50 and above? Recent researches revealed that cases of suicide are higher among older people suffering from depression. If you know the signs and symptoms of senior depression you can help a loved one or a friend seek treatment for depression and prevent the devastating effects of the mental illness.
Senior depression has been misunderstood for the longest time. This is because some of the symptoms that manifest in older people are surprisingly different from those experienced by young adults and teenagers. Depressed individuals often show feelings of sadness as well as social withdrawal. Older people who are depressed however do not show sadness that much.
People oftentimes treat signs of senior depression as part of growing old which should not be the case. This misunderstanding is one reason why older patients do not seek and receive treatment they need. What is worse is that, senior depression when left untreated may lead to geriatric suicide.
The most common signs of depression among older people include fatigue, lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating and physical problems like headache and digestion problem. Older people with depression also lose interest in their usual activities. They may not go to church as often as they do before. They may also stop visiting their grandchildren or other loved ones for no apparent reason at all. Many times, families do not realize that changes such as these are already signs of senior depression.
Researchers have attributed the increase in suicide cases among depressed older adults to too much stress caused by health problems, financial worries, and family conflict. Thus, it is important for family members to give extra attention to their elders. Families should be sensitive to the needs of their elders and to immediately spot any signs of depression.
Like other types of depression, senior depression can be treated with medication, support and therapy. The problem is many seniors also suffer from other diseases that require them to take other medications which may not work well with antidepressants.
Experts however disclosed that regular aerobic exercises can speed up treatment of senior depression. Aerobics is a safe and effective form of therapy for depressed individuals especially for seniors. Not to mention, aerobic exercise is inexpensive and fun to do.
