Signs Your Aging Loved One May Be Depressed

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Although depression has always been around, it wasn’t until the 1970s that clinicians started to view depression as they would any other physiological illness. This explains why many older adults avoid talking about their feelings and view depression as a troubling mental illness. However, depression is a mood disorder and should never be ignored. If left unchecked, depression can increase the risk for cardiac diseases and even death from illness.

Many adult children fail to recognize signs of depression in their aging parents. Some mislabel depression as normal aging blues that many older adults experience. Others aren’t aware of depression because their aging loved one has learned to mask symptoms or physical ailments explain away the symptoms. Here are four signs to look for that may indicate your aging loved one is depressed. 

Sudden Weight Loss or Weight Gain 

Depression affects appetite, causing either significant weight gain or weight loss. Some older adults overeat to fill the void depression leaves in their lives. Others completely lose their appetite or their will to prepare food for themselves. If you’ve noticed a sudden weight loss or weight gain in your aging loved one, it could indicate that they are depressed. 

Social Disengagement 

Another sign of depression is social withdrawal from favorite activities. Social disengagement includes both declining social invitations, as well as declining opportunities to participate in independent activities. Older adults who are struggling with depression don’t have the energy to engage in their favorite hobbies. When they try to engage socially, they may distance themselves from others, leave as quickly as possible, or put up walls during a conversation. If you’ve noticed that your aging loved one has declined more social invitations and has stopped engaging in leisure pursuits, it may indicate they are depressed. 

Change in Sleeping Patterns

Older adults who are depressed are more likely to experience chronic fatigue and have variable sleep patterns. They may sleep away most of the day, have difficulty waking up in the morning, or suffer from insomnia. Depressed seniors also move and talk more slowly and can be irritable or restless. Pay attention to your loved one’s sleeping patterns and ask about how they slept. If there’s an unexplained change, it could be possible that they are depressed.

Persistent Mood Swings

Because older adults are less likely to talk about their feelings, it’s important to be aware of how depression affects one’s mood. Depression doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is constantly crying. It can also be displayed as crankiness, irritability, guilt, or anxiety. Although everyone is entitled to feeling sad, grumpy, and irritable from time to time, persistent mood swings could indicate that your aging loved one is depressed.

Depression is not a normal part of aging. It can be treated by medication and/or therapy prescribed by a doctor. It can even be prevented through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and consistent participation in social and independent activities. If you are concerned that your aging loved one is depressed, it’s imperative that you make an appointment with their primary care physician to discuss your concerns. 

Visiting Angels North Fort Myers/Cape Coral is here to help older adults who are struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. Our mission is to help older adults remain where they feel happiest, safest, and most comfortable. One of the many senior home care services that we provide is companion care. Our companion care services include light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, assistance with errands, and, most importantly, companionship. You can count on us for compassionate care delivered with the utmost professionalism. Please get in touch with us today by calling 239-226-1620 to learn more.