Recognizing Signs of Depression in Senior and Homebound Persons
Everyone from every economic situation, from every ethnic and racial group, men, women, children, seniors, and basically everyone is dealing with circumstances no one in modern history has experienced before and the results are disturbing. Since humans have been on the Earth we have all been aware that we are born and we eventually die, but the possibility of getting very ill and possibly dying is now confronting people more often because of the COVID-19 crisis. Depression is a serious concern and it’s important to look for signs in people and then take appropriate action.
Actual statistics are still being compiled but the age groups that seem to be most likely to develop depression are 12 to 25 and seniors.
The good news is that depression is curable.
It’s important to be aware of (a) causes of depression (b) how to recognize the signs (c) how to get help.
Causes of Depression: This is a list of some of the most common causes of depression but it is by no means all-inclusive:
- Health problems. Illness and disability, chronic or severe pain, cognitive decline, damage to your body image due to surgery or sickness can all be contributors to depression.
- Loneliness and isolation. Factors such as living alone, a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation, decreased mobility due to illness or a loss of driving privileges can trigger depression.
- Reduced sense of purpose. Retirement can bring with it a loss of identity, status, self-confidence, and financial security and increase the risk of depression. Physical limitations on activities you used to enjoy can also impact your sense of purpose.
- Fears. These include a fear of death or dying as well as anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
- Recent bereavements. The death of friends, family members, and pets, or the loss of a spouse or partner are common causes of depression in older adults.
Even medications someone takes to improve their health might cause depression.
Recognizing the Signs: Once again, these are some but not all common signs that a person may be suffering from depression:
- Hopeless Outlook. People may vocalize this feeling by saying things like “what’s the point?” or “it’s all my fault.”
- Increased Fatigue. This may also be accompanied by sleeping problems.
- Appetite Changes. A sudden weight gain or loss can be a sign of depression.
- Anxiety or Outbursts of Emotion. Any sudden change from the person’s normal behavior should be carefully observed, noted, and passed on to a mental health professional.
Getting Help: A good place to start if you’re not sure what to do about someone you think might be depressed is with their medical doctor. A physician should be able to guide you to someone who is trained to handle cases of depression.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a Palm Beach County Chapter and you can reach them here → NAMI HelpLine • (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
If it is an emergency situation, call 911
Our nurses, home health aides, and companions can visit people who are homebound to check on their physical condition and help them with everything from basic needs and nutrition to medical care. While we are not mental health professionals we can help report symptoms to the appropriate sources for help. Questions? We have answers. Call us at (561) 210-9096 seven days a week.
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