Seniors Battling Depression

By Jan Shapan:

For many seniors and elderly people, the loss of mobility, flexibility and the emergence of pain and aches associated with aging bring a certain sadness and despair. This loss of vitality and life purpose is often undiagnosed depression.

Some of the signs of depression among senior loved ones can be:

• ambivalence or indifference to daily activities in life
• a lack of desire to be active
• difficulty sleeping and excessive worry
• lack of interest in their partner or spouse
• little or no desire for any sexual intimacy
• unusual weight loss or gain
• agitation or irritability
• difficulty making decisions
• personal sense of being powerless or helpless
• thoughts of suicide

Depression tends to affect men and women in different ways. For example, women may appear withdrawn, indulge in self medications such as food or cry frequently whereas men will continue to do their jobs but find themselves exhausted and drained at the end of the day. Men may be impatient and irritable at little things.

Men will likely hesitate to think a doctor is needed or find a need for outside help in the form of therapy. Too often men view depression as a sign of weakness and inability to handle life circumstances and may view depression as a status wrecker on the job.

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In reality, depression doesn’t play favorites and may afflict anybody at anytime. But treatment for depression is available and proven to work.

When depression is left unattended or dismissed with little regard, the consequences can be disastrous for personal, family and business relationships. People suffering with depression seldom recognize the level of pessimism, anger or criticism they have for vast dimensions of their lives. And these attitudes can push relationships to the brink.

What is the answer?

Many seniors have benefited by simply using a prescribed medication from their doctor but this isn’t the final solution for everyone. Some prescribed drugs can make the problem worse and cause new problems including weight gains or appetite and sleep loss.

And too often a prescribed anti-depressant simply masks a problem but doesn’t resolve the core issue. This forces some people to use anti-depressant drugs for years without knowing the implications of long term usage.

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Some seniors with milder forms of depression seek more natural forms of treatment to avoid the unintended side effects of the more powerful prescribed medications. Even if you prefer a natural treatment, seeking counsel from your doctor is still recommended.

The first qualification for any natural treatment is to determine if the FDA has approved the formula. This demonstrates the commitment of the supplier to provide a lasting and safe formula to its customers.

Suppliers that go through the FDA approval process typically offer a money back guarantee as a way to minimize the financial risk of testing the product.

Some of the more common natural ingredients you may consider are St. John’s Wort or Passion Flower which are two recognized herbs that have been shown to be helpful in many cases.

Certainly, a solution for some seniors is therapy. Meeting with a professional counselor to explore the underlying reasons for your thoughts, attitudes and impulses is a proven way to ultimate healing. At times, counseling may accompany some form of prescribed medication to provide emotional stability to the patient early in the process.

Last of all, when you feel down or depressed eating properly and getting consistent exercise is a powerful way to better health. Go for walks, plant a garden, start a hobby.

Depression doesn’t just go away by sheer force of will. So get help if you need it and you will find new happiness and optimism in your life.

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About The Author:

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org