Blog #3 : Depression in Elderly

During this assignment, I was given the chance to write about any topic pertaining to the elderly. I chose to discuss the topic of Depression. I consider depression a horrible disease. It has attacked many of my family members both young and old.

Depression in the elderly is usually the result of being diagnosed with an illness or a disability. Many elders suffer from lost of love ones and are not able to overcome it so easily. They become used to their life partners that the everyday friendship is a necessity.

There are many risk factors that can clue family members in on how to detect any sudden changes in their love ones: 

Certain medicines or combination of medicines

Other illnesses

Living alone, social isolation

Recent bereavement

Presence of chronic or severe pain

Damage to body image (from amputation, cancer surgery, or heart attack)

Fear of death

Previous history of depression

Family history of major depressive disorder

Past suicide attempt(s)

Substance abuse

 

 

There are many treatments as well for depression. This is not a disease that should be ignored. Many people can be treated with Antidepressants, Psychotherapy, and Electroconvulsion therapy.

 

REMEMBER DEPRESSION DOES NOT HAVE TO TAKE OVER YOU LOVE ONES LIFE.

 

 

http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/elderly/depression-in-elderly/menu-id-68/