ELDERLY DEPRESSION CAUSES
As written in my last article "Elderly Depression: Is It a Normal Part Of Aging?", the second step to helping a depressed elder come out of depression is to know the causes. After one has acknowledged the fact that depression and aging don’t necessarily go hand in hand--that depression shouldn’t be expected, accepted nor go untreated as an individual grows older--learning why they may be depressed from the get go will give you a starting point.
While depression should not be accepted and go untreated simply because a person ages, it should be noted that depression is known to be linked to factors such as poor physical health, leaving home, and losing a loved one.
Below are possible causes of Elderly Depression.
Inherited: A family history of depression may put one at a higher risk
Lack of Social Support: It may be difficult for elderly individuals to receive the social support they need to live a quality life
Reduced Sense of Purpose: With their children not depending on them financially nor, perhaps, emotionally, and with many elders widowed, it’s difficult to feel needed.
Health Problems: Physical or mental conditions may limit one’s freedom and mobility, leading to fewer opportunities to enjoy prior activities
Substance Abuse Problem: Depression may be caused by a response to an actual chemical or to the lack of control one has over the addiction
Loneliness and Isolation: Many elders are alone due to friends and family passing over time, and their kids living out of state or out of the country
Medications: Some medications will cause side effects that trigger depression
Fear: Given all of the above, it’s no wonder the elderly might be a little fearful of what is to come in the near and distant future. There are so many uncertainties.
The third step to helping depressed elders move toward having a good quality of life is to learn what the symptoms of sadness and the symptoms of depression are. Paying attention and intervening early is half the battle. To intervene appropriately and timely, you must know what to look for and be cognizant to the presence of these symptoms.
As written in my last article "Elderly Depression: Is It a Normal Part Of Aging?", the second step to helping a depressed elder come out of depression is to know the causes. After one has acknowledged the fact that depression and aging don’t necessarily go hand in hand--that depression shouldn’t be expected, accepted nor go untreated as an individual grows older--learning why they may be depressed from the get go will give you a starting point.
While depression should not be accepted and go untreated simply because a person ages, it should be noted that depression is known to be linked to factors such as poor physical health, leaving home, and losing a loved one.
Below are possible causes of Elderly Depression.
Inherited: A family history of depression may put one at a higher risk
Lack of Social Support: It may be difficult for elderly individuals to receive the social support they need to live a quality life
Reduced Sense of Purpose: With their children not depending on them financially nor, perhaps, emotionally, and with many elders widowed, it’s difficult to feel needed.
Health Problems: Physical or mental conditions may limit one’s freedom and mobility, leading to fewer opportunities to enjoy prior activities
Substance Abuse Problem: Depression may be caused by a response to an actual chemical or to the lack of control one has over the addiction
Loneliness and Isolation: Many elders are alone due to friends and family passing over time, and their kids living out of state or out of the country
Medications: Some medications will cause side effects that trigger depression
Fear: Given all of the above, it’s no wonder the elderly might be a little fearful of what is to come in the near and distant future. There are so many uncertainties.
The third step to helping depressed elders move toward having a good quality of life is to learn what the symptoms of sadness and the symptoms of depression are. Paying attention and intervening early is half the battle. To intervene appropriately and timely, you must know what to look for and be cognizant to the presence of these symptoms.
Nemi Weeks,NHA,MBA
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
