As people age, it is not uncommon to feel afraid, anxious, depressed or lonely.
Often there are valid reasons for such reactions. Life-changing events – the death
of a partner or close friend, physical illnesses and operations, and even certain
medications – can trigger such feelings. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Although depression and loneliness can be quite common in later life, depression
is not a typical part of aging and loneliness should not be taken lightly.
Loneliness
Research shows that loneliness is a major risk factor in increasing blood pressure
in older adults, and could increase the risk of death from stroke and heart disease.
That’s why staying socially connected – by volunteering, taking a course, attending
cultural events and engaging in regular visits with family and friends are so important
to healthy, active aging. It’s hard to GET GOING if you are feeling ‘down’ – perhaps
review Get Involved for some helpful ideas.
Depression
People occasionally feel sad due to the natural ups and downs of life. Depression
is different. To be diagnosed with depression, you may experience two or more of
the emotions on the Feelings Checklist for two weeks or longer.
This tool is designed to help you identify whether you could be suffering from depression.
Bring this checklist with you to help you start a clear and candid discussion with
your doctor.
Feelings Checklist
Check which of the following you have been feeling for two or more weeks:
- Sadness or the blues
- Losing interest in life
- Tired for no reason
- Snappy or irritable
- Sleeping badly
- Feeling in a panic
- Considering suicide
- Feeling useless or a burden to others
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- Feeling unwell; aches and pains
- Losing weight or appetite
- Restless, agitated or sluggish
- Worrying more than usual
- Wanting to avoid people
- Losing self-confidence
- Concentration or thinking problems
- Feeling bad or guilty out of proportion to the circumstances
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What you can do to start feeling better
- Ask for help. Don’t wait! Depression is a treatable and you need
help to get better. Make sure to mention your symptoms and risk factors. Bring a
friend or family member to the appointment with you, if possible. Ask for a referral
to a mental health professional and more information about depression.
- Discuss your feelings with another person. Expressing yourself
may help relieve your feelings of isolation.
- Go out if you can. Fresh air, contact with other people and a change
of scene can also help you feel better and put things into perspective.
- Get moving. Exercise causes the body to release natural mood enhancers.
Becoming physically tired will also help you sleep better.
- Eat properly. Consider eating vitamin rich snacks throughout the
day instead of three, big meals.
- Pursue a hobby or pastime. Listen to music, play an instrument,
write a poem, draw a picture, read a book, or make something for a friend, family
member or good cause.
- Avoid alcohol. It can worsen your depression and interact with
medications.
- Don’t alter your medications without talking to your doctor first.
Warning Signs
If you have strong feelings of depression, take them seriously.
Seek immediate help if your feelings:
- are worse than you would expect
- have continued for two or more weeks
- interfere with your life
- mean that you can't face being with other people
- make you feel that life is not worth living
- are being noticed by other people
- include regular thoughts of harming or killing yourself
Call Crisis Intervention at 911
If you (or someone you care about) is feeling so low that you are thinking of hurting
yourself or ending your own life, call 911 immediately, or go to the emergency room
of your local hospital. Tell the telephone operator or emergency room attendant
that you are in suicidal danger.
Depression isn’t caused by personal weakness. It’s a medical illness that can be
treated.
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