Know the Signs of Depression

Senior Care in East Quogue NY: Know the Signs of Depression

Depression is an extremely complex disease. There are numerous causes including changing hormone levels, medications, changing environmental situations as well as life-changing events. It can be either difficult to pinpoint the exact cause or one may know the exact moment and reason it struck. Either way, it is a disease that cannot be relegated to the back burner to be dealt with at another time. It needs to be addressed immediately.

Who is Affected

Both seniors and those who care for them are susceptible to this disease. Senior’s may feel a continuing loss of independence. They may have developed a chronic illness that leaves them in chronic pain or lost mobility. Family caregivers are faced with the beauty and the challenges that go with caring for an elderly parent. According to the American Psychological Association, “Estimates suggest that between 40 to 70 percent of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression.”

What is Depression?

First, to define what depression is not. It is not the once-in-awhile blues that all humans experience from time to time. It is a treatable medical condition. Symptoms that suggest you or your loved one are under its effects include the following:

• A feeling of hopelessness is one of the cornerstones of depression.
• Increasing irritability and anxiety.
• Extreme fatigue and loss of energy.
• A change in sleeping and eating habits. This may include excessive sleeping or insomnia and over-eating or loss of appetite.
• Loss of interest in outside activities and increasing isolation.
• Headaches, digestive problems and persistent, unexplained pain.
• Difficulty focusing—feeling foggy or hazy in your thinking.

Treatment

If you believe that you or your parent is suffering from depression, make an appointment with your prospective primary health care provider. It’s best to determine that there is no underlying health concern or medication that is causing this disease before addressing the issue further. Treatment options include anti-depression drugs as well as psychotherapy.

In addition to these types of treatments, paying attention to one’s diet, physical exercise program and relaxation or stress reduction program can help. Mood boosting foods include those rich in vitamin B-complex such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved brain function and are found in salmon and other cold water fish as well as walnuts and flaxseeds. Vitamin D is available from the sun as well as fortified foods while the mineral selenium can be found in nuts, beans and lean meats.

Exercise plays a role in reducing depression by increasing the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It increases the body’s temperature, increases confidence and takes one’s mind off the negative thoughts that may be feeding the depression. Aerobic exercise is often the best strategy including 30 minutes of stationary bicycling, brisk walking or swimming.

Senior Care Provider

A senior care provider can offer respite for you, giving you the time you need to recharge and refresh, and care and support for your parent. They can help with the everyday tasks of living as well as provide transportation, companionship and accompany your parent on social outings. They are an important piece of the puzzle when designing a caregiving strategy that leads to a balanced life for both you and your parent.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in East Quogue, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm

http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/cyf/caregiving-facts.aspx

http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/diet#3