VISITING ANGELS RICHMOND, VA 804-423-6500
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Is Your Aging Loved One Depressed? Four Signs You Shouldn’t Miss

When it comes to talking about depression, many seniors avoid the topic altogether. It’s not something that their generation grew up talking about, and some even view depression as a troubling mental illness. However, depression is a mood disorder and is not something to be ignored. Most adult children don’t recognize the signs that their aging parents are depressed. Depression can be misconstrued as normal aging blues. Seniors can mask their depression for short bouts of time when talking with loved ones. Symptoms can even be masked in chronic health conditions and the medications used to treat those conditions.

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month, as well as National Emotional Wellness Month. As the days grow shorter and shorter in the fall and winter seasons, less daylight can trigger depression for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder. Now is the time to have your aging loved one screened for depression, even if the depression is mild. If you aren’t sure whether your aging loved one is depressed, here are four signs to look for that may indicate depression. If any of these signs are present, please make an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician to discuss your concerns.

Noticeable Change in Appearance
The first sign that your aging loved one may be depressed is a noticeable change in their appearance. This could mean a sudden weight gain or loss, disheveled appearance, or lack of good hygiene practice. It takes energy and effort to bathe, dress, and keep regular salon appointments. Depression also impacts appetite, causing some to eat to fill their emotions and others not to eat at all. If your loved one takes pride in their appearance and all of a sudden stops caring about how they look, they may be struggling with feelings of depression.

Social Disengagement
Another sign of depression is social withdrawal from favorite activities. It’s not just declining social invitations, but also declining to participate in independent activities. Depressed seniors just don’t have the energy to participate and engage in life. Even when they do try to engage socially, they may distance themselves by withdrawing privately when visiting family or leaving earlier than usual. If your loved one seems to lack interest in their favorite pastimes, it may be an indicator that they’re suffering from depression.

Consistent Irritability or Mood Swings
Everyone’s entitled to feeling grumpy, sad, or irritable from time to time. However, another sign of depression is a constant state of emotional turmoil. Often, depression is equated with tearfulness. Yet, depression can manifest itself in other expressions of emotions, such as crankiness, irritability, guilt, or anxiety. Because seniors are less likely to be upfront with their feelings, it’s important to factor in changes in their mood when you’re concerned they may be depressed. If your loved one seems to be perpetually upset or angry, they are more pessimistic than usual, or you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells when you’re around them, they might be experiencing depression.

Change in Sleep Habits
Finally, another sign of depression is a significant change in sleep habits. Seniors who are depressed are more likely to be chronically fatigued or not be able to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. They may sleep away most of the day, have a difficult time waking up in the morning, or suffer from insomnia. In general, they just move more slowly and can appear restless. They can even complain about their fatigue and express how tired they are all the time. Pay attention to your loved one’s sleep patterns if you’re concerned they are depressed.

It’s important to know that depression is not a normal part of aging. Depression can be treated by medication or therapy, or a combination of the two. If you think that your aging loved one is depressed, and aren’t sure what to do, know that you are not alone. Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond can help seniors who are struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. Along with your doctor’s recommendations and treatment regimen, our compassionate caregivers can help ease feelings of depression. One of our many in-home senior care services we provide is Companion Home Care. Our companion care services include light housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation, assistance with dressing and bathing, but most importantly, companionship. We all need companionship, but especially seniors who are at risk for depression. To learn more about us, and how we can help your aging loved one ward off depression, please contact us today.

Serving Midlothian, Richmond, Henrico and throughout the Southside neighborhoods of Brandermill, and Bon Air

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
9019 Forest Hill Ave #1C
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: 804-423-6500
Fax: 804-423-6533

Serving Midlothian, Richmond, Henrico and throughout the Southside neighborhoods of Brandermill, and Bon Air

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
9019 Forest Hill Ave #1C
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: 804-423-6500
Fax: 804-423-6533