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Coping with Change: Get Help with Depression
Nature gives us a wonderful example of the changing seasons in a human’s life—spring is exciting and filled with the spirit of youth that leads us to adulthood—the “good ’ole summertime.” Just as there is a change from autumn to winter, and the days become shorter, some of our abilities fade as we age. Behavioral health issues—such as confusion, anxiety, exaggerated fears, or depression—can happen as we deal with the life changes that happen as we age.
Some people mistakenly think that it is normal for older adults to feel depressed. On the contrary, most older people feel satisfied with their lives. Sometimes when people are depressed, they may dismiss it as a normal part of aging. But identifying depression and seeking help has some major advantages. The patient and family members may be able to enjoy an improved quality of life.
What Is a Depressive Disorder?
A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about himself, and the way one thinks. Depression is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function. Memory loss and confusion also can be caused by depression. Depression is an illness that can affect people of all ages from children to mature adults.
Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom of depression. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.
Look for the following symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness and irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
You Don’t Have to Suffer, South Central Can Help
The health care professionals with South Central Senior Care understand the importance of behavioral health issues. The program is designed for people age 55 and older who may suffer from:
- depression
- anxiety
- exaggerated fears
- disorganized thinking
- dementia.
Senior Care will secure the peace of mind that you or your loved one will receive high-quality health care in a warm atmosphere, cared for by a team of understanding physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, recreational therapists, and clinical staff that support and respect each person. Karen Lee, Senior Care’s Director of Nursing, states, “The support shared in a caring environment enables each person to take part in an individually tailored course of treatment designed by their physician and psychiatrist. Patients receive one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and participate in planned activities during their stay at Senior Care.”
As seasons change in your life, remember life experience, wisdom, and beauty will be enhanced by the protection of your mental health. Recognition and treatment of depression in late life will make those years more enjoyable and fulfilling for not only the patient, but also for the family and caregivers.
If you or a loved one suffers from symptoms of depression or other behavioral health issues, contact South Central Senior Care at 426-4300 for a free assessment.
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