Researchers have found there is a direct link between depression and poor health in seniors. What does depression do to a person? In the simplest terms it takes away a person’s will to live. Death, disease and financial stress are some of the more common causes of depression in the elderly.
Most seniors enjoy a full life and even the death of a spouse does not bring the world to a crashing halt. And if it does it is only for a short while. Even if they don’t feel it at the time, people are able to pick up the pieces and carry on with the business of living. For some people however the spirit of depression settles on them and they don’t seem able or even willing to shake it off.
Being depressed blocks a person’s ability to think clearly. It also prevents the person from seeking the help they need because they soon begin suffering from low self-esteem or they just don’t have the energy to deal with the problem.
One of the main stumbling blocks to seniors getting the help needed is the fact that many do not even consider depression a disease or illness. There is a stigma attached to depression and people belonging to the old school are either too ashamed or too proud to ask for help.
Emotional support is one of the most important aspects of helping a loved one overcome depression. Lending a listening ear and simply being there for the person is crucial to their recovery. If you are the one offering support you need to remember that it is not your place to be critical or judgmental. Instead you need to provide love and hope and lots of understanding to the person in distress.
Getting medical help for an older person going through a depression phase is also one way of helping the person deal with the problem. However, you need to make sure that your approach to the problem is carefully thought out and worded. A physician can help with the right diagnosis and treatment while you can be a great moral support by standing by your loved one or friend.
One of the best things you can do to help someone out of their depression is start to slowly get them interest in life again. Whether that means having friends drop over or taking them out for a ride, just the act of doing something is better than the person staying alone in an otherwise empty house by themselves. Most depressed people don’t want to be around many people, but one or two can help lift their spirits.
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