Fighting Depression in the Elderly
Fighting depression in the elderly is extremely important.
It is also very difficult because these folk might be embarrassed about their situation and will be less likely to admit, even to themselves, that they have a serious problem.
As serious as depression is, it is also very treatable in most cases.
But the first step is to reach out and get help.
For many, the energy or will power to get moving will be missing.
This is a symptom of depression and creates a severe downward spiral.
They lack energy because of the depression and then get even more depressed because they can't do anything to fight it.
This is where the help from family becomes so important.
Sometimes, a little prodding will be necessary in order to get your depressed family member going.
They might not see a point in getting dressed because they have nothing to do, but once they are dressed, getting them out the door is much easier.
Take small steps and move forward at a slow pace.
Get dressed, then go outside, then get in the car, etc.
It might be a cliché, but taking baby steps is much easier than just saying, "we're going to the store.
" The importance of maintaining a normal life when suffering from depression cannot be overstated.
Depression can be fought more easily if your family member has a sense of purpose.
If they are keeping up everyday activities like shopping and personal grooming, fighting depression becomes much easier.
Encourage journaling.
They might not feel good about talking through their problems with a therapist, but writing down their concerns in a journal can also help by putting things in perspective and helping them to work through their problems.
They can even talk into a recorder and keep an audio journal if this is easier for them.
Whatever their concerns are, they can work them out and maintain privacy at the same time.
If your loved one's depression worsens or you believe they are in danger, do not hesitate to contact professional help.
Many counties have mobile mental health units that can come right to their home and offer help.
While this might hurt their pride in some cases, protecting your loved one from harm is much more important.
This can also be a good way to encourage your loved one to continue to get help once the initial crisis has passed.
By showing that they have family and friends that truly care about them, they will be more willing to get the help that they need.
This can come in any form: meeting with a therapist, antidepressants, or a mixture of these two things.
Exercise is also a proven treatment for depression.
It is also very difficult because these folk might be embarrassed about their situation and will be less likely to admit, even to themselves, that they have a serious problem.
As serious as depression is, it is also very treatable in most cases.
But the first step is to reach out and get help.
For many, the energy or will power to get moving will be missing.
This is a symptom of depression and creates a severe downward spiral.
They lack energy because of the depression and then get even more depressed because they can't do anything to fight it.
This is where the help from family becomes so important.
Sometimes, a little prodding will be necessary in order to get your depressed family member going.
They might not see a point in getting dressed because they have nothing to do, but once they are dressed, getting them out the door is much easier.
Take small steps and move forward at a slow pace.
Get dressed, then go outside, then get in the car, etc.
It might be a cliché, but taking baby steps is much easier than just saying, "we're going to the store.
" The importance of maintaining a normal life when suffering from depression cannot be overstated.
Depression can be fought more easily if your family member has a sense of purpose.
If they are keeping up everyday activities like shopping and personal grooming, fighting depression becomes much easier.
Encourage journaling.
They might not feel good about talking through their problems with a therapist, but writing down their concerns in a journal can also help by putting things in perspective and helping them to work through their problems.
They can even talk into a recorder and keep an audio journal if this is easier for them.
Whatever their concerns are, they can work them out and maintain privacy at the same time.
If your loved one's depression worsens or you believe they are in danger, do not hesitate to contact professional help.
Many counties have mobile mental health units that can come right to their home and offer help.
While this might hurt their pride in some cases, protecting your loved one from harm is much more important.
This can also be a good way to encourage your loved one to continue to get help once the initial crisis has passed.
By showing that they have family and friends that truly care about them, they will be more willing to get the help that they need.
This can come in any form: meeting with a therapist, antidepressants, or a mixture of these two things.
Exercise is also a proven treatment for depression.