Are you noticing that your aging loved one seems a little subdued this holiday? Contrary to what every advertisement would have you believe, the holidays don’t make everyone merrier. Depression should not be chalked up as a normal part of aging either; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, statistics show that up to 5% of the elderly in the community to over 13% of elderly populations requiring hospitalization or home health care suffer from depression. Not surprisingly, those who suffer from chronic health conditions and social isolation are at greatest risk.
What signs should you be on the lookout for? The CDC lists the symptoms of depression as follows:
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment
If your loved one was recently diagnosed with a chronic illness or suffers from limited physical mobility, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on their mental state. Check on your elderly neighbors, maybe even more frequently over the holidays, or consider asking them to join your holiday gatherings. The gift of companionship can mean more than any item from a store to someone who is feeling lonely this time of year.
Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion March 2015.
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