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Understanding Depression
• Define depression
• Identify the warning signs of depression
• Identify some coping strategies for depression
Presentation Objectives
• An overwhelming sense of sadness about life
• A feeling of physical and emotional fatigue
• Goes beyond the normal reactions to loss or disappointment
What Is Depression?
• Major depression is extreme and persistent and can interfere with an individual’s ability to function
• Women are in fact twice as likely as men to develop depression
Facts About Depression
• Many people experience depression later in life, and frequently, symptoms are attributed to the aging process
• However, depression is NOT a normal part of aging and is highly treatable
Facts About Depression Cont.
• Poor appetite or significant weight loss
• Sleep disturbances • Listlessness• Loss of interest or
pleasure in usual activities
• Loss of interest in sex• Loss of energy
• Feelings of self-blame, guilt, or worthlessness
• Complaints of slowed thinking, in-ability to concentrate
• Preoccupation with death and dying; actual suicide attempt
Warning Signs of Depression
• Preoccupation with bodily complaints
• Pain (of unknown origin)
• Chest complaints (trouble breathing, palpitations, tightness)
• Abdominal complaints (passing a lot of gas, pain)
• Sensory problems (tingling sensations)
Physical Complaints That Accompany Depression
• Depression can trigger diet changes that may affect health such as an increase or decrease in appetite
• Certain dietary deficiencies can encourage depression symptoms
• Anemia may also contribute to depression
Link to Diet
Get help! Mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, and psychologists may be able to assist you. Older people tend not to seek psychological help on their own.
How to Help Yourself
• Do not take any over-the-counter supplements to treat depression without discussing it with your health care provider first
• Avoid isolation or separation
How to Help Yourself cont.
• Maintain relationships with friends and family
• Get involved in community activities
• Exercise
How to Help Yourself cont.
• Review medications taken by the older adult with the physician to check for those that may promote depression as a side effect.
• Do not take physical complaints lightly. Be aware of the onset of these complaints, what particular time of day they are worse and what causes them.
How Others Can Help
• Encourage the older adult to participate in social activities to decrease his/her sense of isolation and increasing self-esteem.
• Pay attention to the elderly person’s nutrition. Depressed people tend to ignore food or personal hygiene. Small but frequent, well-balanced meals should be made available.
How Others Can Help cont.
• Encourage the older adult to take care of personal hygiene. Praise every small effort to do so.
• Involve the older adult in simple exercises. Exercises can be done while sitting down. Short walks are also helpful.
• Whenever possible, involve the older adult in simple household chores like folding laundry or wiping tables.
How Others Can Help cont.
• Provide emotional support, genuine concern, and caring.
• Taking medication at night maximizes the effects of natural and medicinal drowsiness, often providing the older adult with a sound night’s sleep.
• Be vigilant for any suicidal gestures or signs of helplessness or hopelessness
How Others Can Help cont.
• Someone age 65 or over completes suicide every 90 minutes - 16 deaths per day
• Elders account for 1/5 of all suicides
• White males age 85+ complete suicide at almost six times the national average
• Elders are at 50% higher risk for suicide than the rest of the population
Facts About Elders and Suicide
• Feeling hopeless and/or helpless• Feeling worthless (“Who needs me?”)• Loss of interest in activities that are usually
found enjoyable• Cutting on social interaction, self-care and
grooming• Experiencing of expecting a significant
personal loss (e.g. spouse)
Warning Signs of Suicide in Elders
• Putting affairs in order, giving things away, making changes in wills
• Scheduling an appointment with physician for no apparent physical cause, or very shortly after last visit to doctor
• Expression of fears and anxieties with any reason
Warning Signs of Suicide in Elders cont.
• Preoccupation with death or lack of personal safety
• Sudden interest or disinterest in church and religion
• Stock-piling medication or obtaining other lethal means
• Suspicious behaviors like waving good-bye or kissing good-bye if not characteristic
Warning Signs of Suicide in Elders cont.
• Saying good-byes such as “This is the last time you’ll see me”, should raise concerns
• The most significant indicator is an expression of suicidal intent!!
Warning Signs of Suicide in Elders cont.
If Suicidal Call:
• BHR Crisis Hotline• (314) 469-6644• Or a mental health
professional - psychologist, Social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, etc.
St. Andrews Senior Solutions is here to help! Call one of our Care Managers today!
Finding Help
Local: (314) 726-5766Toll-Free: (888) 388-1930
CONTACT
