How Can You Tell if Your Mom is Really Suffering From Depression?

Is your mom dealing with a case of the blues or is she really depressed?

Everyone feels down from time to time. Seasonal blues are common when the sun is out less. Blues can be triggered but a tough week at work. You can feel down when bills pile up, a friend moves away, or your child leaves the nest.

Senior Care Murray UT: Mental Health for Seniors

Depression is different. It may start with you feeling sad and blue. With depression, it continues for weeks and months. Nothing excites you. You don’t want to get up. You don’t want to be social. You withdraw and may not even notice that you’ve pulled away from your usual activities.

The Symptoms of Depression

Every person is different. Depression doesn’t follow an identical path in every person who is diagnosed with depression. Depression usually involves at least five of the key symptoms, which are:

-Difficulties with concentration and decision making.
-Excessive fatigue and exhaustion with activities of daily living.
-Feeling blue or sad every day or almost every day for weeks without any relief.
-Feeling unworthy or guilty.
-Having a hard time sitting still.
-Insomnia and/or oversleeping regularly.
-Irritability and anger that last weeks and don’t ease.
-Lack of interest in normal activities.
-Little interest in spending time with friends or family members.
-Repeated thoughts of death or committing suicide.
-Weight loss or weight gain in a short period of time.

What Do You Do Next?

If your mom has at least five of the above symptoms, talk to her doctor. For some people, antidepressants can help ease the symptoms and make it possible to get back to normal activities. It can take months to find the right medication, however. If they are recommended, therapy should also be considered.

Some elderly men and women do better with therapeutic sessions with a counselor or a group. If the death of a spouse triggered the depression, a support group for widows and widowers might be helpful. If a chronic condition triggered the depression, a support group for that condition can help.

One of the most important things for your mom is to get her out of the house. She needs to socialize. It may be hard, but it’s something she needs to do. A senior center is a great way for seniors to socialize. There are reading groups, hobby-related groups, group outings, lunches, dances, and many other social events.

Getting your mom out of the house can be hard when you’re at work. Hire a caregiver. Caregivers provide companionship. A caregiver can drive your mom to appointments or area businesses. Caregivers can help her with diet, exercise, and household chores. Learn more by making a call to your mom’s area home care agency.

Are you or a loved one considering Senior Care in Murray, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities.
801-427-ROSE (7673)