Understanding Depression with Elderly Loved Ones
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
We’ve heard about mental health and its importance more and more on social media and the news these days. People are paying attention to their mental well-being because they realize a negative and a positive mindset has a dramatic effect on all aspects of their life.
Seniors are no exception.
We can assume that as we age we gain more wisdom and handle difficult situations better, causing our thoughts to be less harmful. However, depression and negative thought processes are profound in our aging loved ones.
Let’s explore one of the common mental health challenges, depression, and how you can support a healthier mindset.
Causes of Depression in Seniors
Not surprisingly, depression is prevalent amongst our aging population.
You may notice your elderly parent in a low vibrational mood, like sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in what was once enjoyed.
Hopelessness is a big trigger of depression. This is especially true if your senior suffers from a chronic illness requiring many doctor visits and medications. They may have mobility issues, where a once active senior is now more sedentary or afraid to leave their home due to falls.
They may have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, which can lead them to believe it’s all downhill from here. Many illnesses and health concerns can lead a senior to think, “why bother?”
Many times our elderly ones can become depressed because they have more loss of loved ones. These close connections can be children, spouses or partners, and friends.
The longer we live, the more loss of these relationships we may experience. Your senior could be thinking, “I’m next” or “why live on without so-and-so?”
Recognizing Depression in Seniors
When recognizing depression in seniors, you may not be able to detect sadness, however, you could see other signs.
Depressed seniors may lose their appetite. Some people turn to food for comfort, but as we age, our appetites decrease, putting a depressed senior at greater risk of malnourishment.
Check their environment and see signs of messes, like dirty laundry, dishes, or unpaid bills. Are they taking all of their medications or refilling them? Is dust collecting on items they once loved to touch often, like puzzles, books, and the television remote? Are the blinds closed whenever you visit? How about their vehicle, are there cobwebs?
When someone is depressed, an underlining lack of purpose deters a senior from living. Look for any of the signs that show they may not be interested in life’s joys anymore.
Supporting a Senior’s Mental Health
Seek professional help.
It’s natural to want to provide comfort and talk about your senior’s feelings with them, but not at all times can a family caregiver provide the best support. Encourage your aging loved one to speak with a mental health professional. Gone are the days when counselors or therapists imply we’re crazy. These mental health experts are trained and experienced with depression and may greatly help your senior in need.
Increase social connection.
Have you ever been in a negative mood and gone out, despite your desire? Did your mood change by just speaking to one positive person? Good moods are contagious, just as bad moods are. Get your senior to a place of good vibration where they can meet happy people their age. Chances are these people face the same challenges your senior does and can teach a thing or two about having good mental health through it all.
Be compassionate.
Tough love isn’t going to be the best form of medicine here, so do your best to remain loving and patient with your senior. When you visit, it’s okay to check in on them and hold them if they’re sad. Silence can speak louder than words. Providing a compassionate approach, holding their hand, and bringing up positive subjects can greatly improve your senior’s mood.
Understand that their depression may be different than what you’re used to and you may not have all the answers for them. Although, you can certainly provide a loving touch and nurturing energy to your aging loved one. Keep your chin up!
Remember, positivity is contagious.
Dealing with depression in your senior can be saddening to your heart. Be sure to disconnect yourself when you get home and build upon your own positive mental health. If you, as a caregiver, can bring about your healthiest mindset, you will begin to see it attracts positivity around you. It’ll be a great way to support your senior suffering from depression.
Depression can bring people into a rabbit hole, a very dangerous place to be. Working on positivity even one degree at a time can do wonders for your mental health, and your senior’s mental health.
Considering mental health is a vital aspect of a life well lived, dedicate yourself to understanding any way that boosts your mood and your senior’s mood as much as you can. Make mental health exercises a part of your senior’s daily life, just as nutritious foods and exercise support physical health and companionship supports emotional health.
For more information on understanding depression in seniors, seek out local support groups and contact mental health professionals.
You can also contact us for more resources.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about depression in the elderly and should not be construed as medical advice.
