Category Archives: Depression

Identify The Signs Of Depression

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We all undergo ups and downs within our disposition. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s battles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people make use of the word “depression” to explain these kinds of emotions; however signs of depression are a lot more than just unhappiness. Some individuals describe depression symptoms because “living inside a dark hole” or using a sense of impending tragedy. Nonetheless, several depressed individuals don’t really feel sad from all-they may feel lifeless, bare, and also apathetic, or perhaps males particularly might even sense irritated, hostile, and also stressed.regardless of the signs of depression, depressive disorders differs from regular unhappiness for the reason that engulfs your own day-to-day lifestyle, upsetting your skill to work, research, consume, sleep, and have fun. The emotions of helplessness, hopelessness, and also worthlessness are intense as well as unrelenting, along with little, when any, reduction. Depressive disorders is different from individual to individual, however there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s remembering this that these signs may be section of life’s regular lows. But the a lot more signs you have, the stronger there, and the lengthier they’ve lasted-the much more likely it’s that you’re coping with depression. Whenever these symptoms tend to be mind-boggling and also crippling, then you’re ready to seek out assist.

Depression can be a main danger factor with regard to destruction. The particular strong despair as well as hopelessness which goes in addition to depression symptoms can make suicide feels like the only way to escape the anguish. Feelings of death or perhaps committing suicide are a serious sign of depression symptoms, so consider any taking once life discuss or behavior significantly. It’s not just a warning indication the body’s contemplating destruction: it is a cry regarding aid. Major depressive disorder is a filled word within our tradition. Many connect this, nevertheless incorrectly, with a manifestation of weak spot and also excessive emotion. This is also true along with men. Stressed out men are not as likely as compared to females in order to acknowledge emotions associated with self-loathing and hopelessness. Rather, they have a tendency in order to grumble regarding exhaustion, becoming easily irritated, sleep problems, as well as loss of curiosity about perform and also hobbies. Additional signs and symptoms of depression symptoms that face men consist of rage, violence, assault, dangerous conduct, and substance abuse. Despite the fact that symptoms of depression prices for women tend to be doubly high as those involved with males, males are a higher committing suicide risk, particularly old men.

Rates associated with depression symptoms in females tend to be two times as higher because they are in men. This can be thanks partly to be able to hormone aspects, especially when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (pms) and postpartum depressive disorders. For signs, ladies are more likely than guys to have obvious emotions of remorse, rest too much, overeat, and put on weight. Women will also be prone to have problems with seasonal affective disorder. Signs of depression are seen as a not being able to take it easy and experience satisfaction. The actual symptoms tend to be continual, ranging from average in order to severe. Not dealt with, depressive disorder generally can last for concerning half a year. Some people experience merely a single depressive occurrence inside their life time, however additionally; major depression is really a repeating disorder. Nonetheless, there are lots of things you can do to support your mood and lower the chance of recurrence.

Holiday Blues: Depression in the Elderly

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We who are involved in Elder Law have to be vigilant about recognizing the symptoms of depression in our older clients. For one thing, it can affect the care we put in place. This concern becomes even more acute during the holiday season, when the symptoms of depression can become heightened. This is often referred to as the “Holiday Blues”.

As we spend time with the older people in our families and communities, we should all be on the look out for signs of depression. It is, it turns out, more common than generally believed. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 years or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression, and another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20% of the senior population.

Exacerbating the problem is that depression in the elderly is frequently misdiagnosed and often goes untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Another factor is that many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.

What causes depression in the elderly?

The holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier, times. Additional contributing factors that bring on depression may be the loss of a spouse or close friend, or a move from a home to an assisted living facility, or a change in an older person’s routine.

Depression may also be a sign of a medical problem. Chronic pain or complications of an illness or memory loss can also cause depression. In addition, diet can also be a factor when proper nutrition and vitamins are lacking. Often, there are both mental and physical reasons for depression.

Symptoms to look for in depression might include:

  • Depressed or irritable mood
  • Feelings of worthlessness or sadness
  • Expressions of helplessness
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of attending to personal care and hygiene
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irresponsible behavior
  • Obsessive thoughts about death
  • Talk about suicide

How do you know if it is depression or dementia?

Depression and dementia share similar symptoms, but here is a guide to some differences that might help to distinguish between the two:

In depression there is a rapid mental decline, but memory of time, date and awareness of the environment remains. Motor skills are slow but normal in depression. Concern with concentration and worry about impaired memory may occur.

On the other hand, dementia symptoms reveal a slow mental decline with confusion and loss of recognizing familiar locations. Writing, speaking and motor skills are impaired, and memory loss is not acknowledged as being a problem by the person suffering dementia.

Whether it is depression or dementia, prompt treatment is recommended. A physical examination will help determine if there is a medical cause for depression. A geriatric medical practitioner is skilled in diagnosing depression and illnesses in the elderly. If you are the caregiver of an elderly person it may be beneficial for you to seek out a geriatric health care specialist.

Treating depression in older people

Once the cause of the depression is identified, a treatment program can be implemented. Treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness through visitations, outings and involvement in family activities. In more severe cases antidepressant drugs have been known to improve the quality of life in depressed elderly people. Cognitive therapy sessions with a counselor may also be effective.

As a caregiver or family member of a depressed elderly person, it is important to take the initiative. The elderly person will generally deny any problems; they may fear being labelled as mentally ill. Your intervention can make the difference and alleviate the depression and Holiday Blues of a senior in your family or community.
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Disclaimer: The foregoing is not medical advice, and no action or refraining from action should be based on it. Anyone who is dealing with the issues discussed above should immediately consult their physician or other health care provider.