| Depression in the elderly is...unfortunately, a common | | | | depression and get depressed due to apprehension |
| occurrence due to loneliness, lack of family support | | | | of dying. Some elderly may have an addiction to |
| or because of chronic illnesses. Very often depression | | | | alcohol or drugs contributing to their depression. |
| in the aged is not reported and treated due to the | | | | So, what can be done to help depression in the |
| social stigma attached with this condition or due to | | | | aged? Counseling and a therapy of antidepressants |
| plain ignorance on part of the family of the elderly | | | | can help. (note: always see a licensed therapist and |
| person. This not only doesn't help them, but can | | | | physican). The therapist will prescribe antidepressants |
| worsentheir condition and make them susceptible to | | | | if they feel they are required. During initial |
| other ailments...including sometimes suicide. | | | | prescriptions of these drugs the patient has to be |
| Also, elderly depression can occur due to the death | | | | watched carefully as the side-effects and results of a |
| of a spouse...which increases lonliness. Also, | | | | reaction can be serious. These medicines show their |
| side-effects from certain medicines or due to certain | | | | effect over a period of time since they are given in |
| long-term illnesses like diabetes and arthritis can have | | | | small doses. In fact, it wouldn't hurt to have a medical |
| a profound effect on depression. The depression | | | | alertalarm for the depressed person just in case they |
| must be treated as soon as possible. Without fast | | | | feel the need to contact emergency personnel. |
| treatment, it can lead to suicidal tendencies on part | | | | Psychotherapy is very effective in dealing with |
| of the patient or death from premature heart attack, | | | | depression in the elderly as the patient can share |
| stroke and other serious diseases. One group known | | | | their feelings and insecurities with the therapist. This |
| to be at risk from depression in the elderly include | | | | helps them to identify the main problem and initiates |
| widowed women. Others at high risk are those not | | | | a curative process to overcome depression. Of |
| being able to cope with stress in their lives. Low | | | | course, a loving family can help tremendously. |
| self-confidence due to diseases like cancer and loss | | | | Depression is a sensitive issue which, can be treated |
| of limb causing disfigurement can easily lead to | | | | with love and patience along with therapy and |
| depression. Many elderly may have a family history of | | | | medication. |