Are you concerned about an older relative or friend who seems depressed? Read Senior Health Care Hub’s latest guide and learn about common symptoms, the best treatments and what you can do to handle depression.
When you're young, it's easy to take your body and its abilities for granted. But imagine for a moment being dependent on others to get basic necessities like groceries or not being able to do your favorite activity. Doesn't seem very fun, does it? So, it's not exactly a surprise that so many people over 65 experience depression. But that doesn't mean that this mental health concern should in any way be ignored. Yes, aging is unstoppable, but depression isn't.
So what can you as a caregiver do to help the one you care for if you suspect that they're depressed? And how can you tell if someone has depression? Learn everything about why many older people are often misdiagnosed and the differences between depression in younger and older adults in Senior Health Care Hub's latest guide, "Recognizing And Treating Depression In Seniors." Get expert tips on successful treatments and the signs you should look out for here: https://seniorhealthcarehub.com/recognizing-and-treating-depression-in-seniors/#Promoting_Mental_Health_and_Well-being_in_Aging_Populations
While depression can affect virtually anyone at any age, many seniors don't consider their mental health as a serious concern due to several reasons, like stigma and other age-related diseases. With the latest guide, Senior Health Care Hub hopes to break common misconceptions revolving around geriatric depression.
According to an article by Senior Lifestyle, 18,4% of Americans over 65 reported symptoms of depression in 2019. The disorder is more prevalent among women, which could be explained by their longer life expectancy, which means that they live alone for a few years. The article pointed out that while depression is common in older adults, it's not a normal part of the aging process, and both can and should be treated.
Senior Health Care Hub's guide highlights the impact many medications for age-related diseases have on mental health, explaining that feelings of hopelessness can be a side effect of the prescribed drugs used for treating pain and high blood pressure. The guide also explains that cognitive decline and physical limitations are common triggers for depression in seniors, underlining how vulnerable this age group is to mental health disorders.
Further, you'll find information about treatments and lifestyle changes that may be helpful in battling depression in older adults. These evidence-based treatments include different types of therapies, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), IPT (Interpersonal Therapy), and PST (Problem-Solving Therapy), and approach the condition from different angles. The guide also suggests reducing isolation through regular socializing and community activities as effective solutions to treat depression and promote emotional well-being.
To learn more about Senior Health Care Hub and other common age-related diseases, check out https://seniorhealthcarehub.com/
