Do not let depression ruin your life

• April 27, 2024

We all feel discouraged and sad from time to time. But the moment that state persists for some time, it is likely to be a depression . In the case of older adults, depression is usually a common problem and may require medical help.

However, although in most people the disorder would improve with proper treatment, depression in older adults it is frequently ignored or not treated.

According to specialists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the elderly are the sector of the population that least goes to psychological therapy, due to the lack of support and sensitivity of their families.

Dr. Mario Alberto Patiño points out that older people, in many cases, become depressed because they depend on third parties to make their life, which causes them anxiety and emotional disturbances. It is only when family members observe strange behaviors that the person receives Psychological attention . Therefore, recommends recourse to family therapy, since it is necessary that relatives know how to provide their elders "an emotional and social space that translates into quality of life."

How to know when help is needed?

Experts say that after a period of sadness or worry, most older adults adapt and regain emotional balance. However, if that state persists, it is likely to be a depression that if not treated in time could last for weeks, months or even years. This is a list of the most common symptoms of depression. If you are suffering from several of these, and if they last more than 2 weeks, consult your doctor.

• A feeling of "emptiness", continuous sadness and anxiety
• Tiredness, lack of energy
• Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, including sex
• Problems with sleep, whether to fall asleep, wake up too early or sleep too much
• Eat more or less than normal
• Crying a lot or very often
• Disturbances and pains that do not go away when treated
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty, incapable, desperate, or worthless
• Irritability
• Think about death or suicide; have made a suicide attempt.

If you are a family member or friend of an older person, pay attention to the warning signs. Sometimes depression can hide behind a smiling face. A depressed person who lives alone may seem to feel better when someone comes to visit him. However, the symptoms do not disappear and depression continues to ruin your life.
 

Video Medicine: 8 Signs You're Suffering from Depression Without Knowing It (April 2024).