Local Resources for Seniors Who are Depressed
Depression is a serious mood disorder affecting a small percentage of seniors. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that less than five percent of older adults living in the community have major depression, older adults have an increased risk for depression and anxiety. It’s also easy for healthcare providers to miss symptoms of depression in seniors.
Common risk factors for depression amongst seniors include chronic medical conditions, family history, stress, social isolation, feelings of loneliness, disrupted sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle. Seniors who are depressed may experience symptoms such as irritability, decreased energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, decreased or increased appetite, or feelings of hopelessness.
If you are a senior who is struggling with depression, please talk with your doctor. Depression requires professional treatment from a doctor. In addition to following your doctor’s orders, seniors can utilize local resources to help them cope with depression. Here are a few local resources available to seniors who are depressed.
The Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Center
Located in Appleton, WI, the Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Center provides professional therapeutic services to seniors who are anxious or depressed.
Appleton Comprehensive Treatment Center
Seniors struggling with addiction can turn to the Comprehensive Treatment Center located in Appleton. Opioid use disorder is underestimated and often misdiagnosed in the senior population. Opioid use affects moods and increases the risk of depression. This center offers medication-assisted therapy and counseling to help seniors combat the effects opioids have had on their bodies.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin
Mental Health America of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that provides mental illness education and awareness. They have numerous programs and services that promote mental health, including a counseling clinic, suicide prevention, and Veteran peer services.
Outagamie County Caregiver Resources
Families can find valuable local resources at wisconsincaregiver.org. Specifically relating to depression, family caregivers can learn more about mental health assistance and wellness programs available to seniors in Outagamie County.
Rogers Behavioral Health
Rogers Behavioral Health treats multiple mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They have several Wisconsin locations, including an office in Appleton.
Samaritan
Samaritan is nationally accredited by Solihten Institute and is fully licensed in Wisconsin. The counseling center offers a holistic approach to mental health, connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
Another local resource to turn to is Visiting Angels Appleton. We can help older adults who are struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. One of the many services we offer is Elderly Companion Care. Our companion care services include light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, help with running errands, and most importantly, companionship. We all need companionship and from time to time we all need a helping hand. To learn more about our wonderful Elderly Companion Care Assistance, and how we can help you or your aging loved one ward off depression and loneliness, please contact us today by calling 920-944-8000.