#depression #depressionsupport #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #depressionsymptoms #familycaregivers #mentalhealthstigma
The stigma attached to mental illness and psychiatric treatment is even more powerful among older people. This stigma can keep older people from admitting that they are depressed, even to themselves.
Even for the physician, the appearance of depression in older persons can be confusing and convoluted since it can overlap with so many other age related concerns.
How can you tell if you, your loved one or your patient are struggling with depression?
Is there ANY thing at all that can be done?
What are some features that differentiate the signs of depression in older persons? (generally defined as a prolonged sad mood between 6 weeks to 6 months)
😠😢😡😂😀Mood swings, but primarily sadness
🛏️💤😵💫Sleep disturbance - more often insomnia
🤐😤🤐Withdrawal and disinterest
😖Loss of appetite
⚰️Feeling as if life is ending
😕Feeling confused
⚰️Wanting to die
😨Afraid to die - afraid of getting older and dying
What can place a person at risk for depression?
1/GRIEF and LOSS - as they see or hear of close friends , relatives and workmates die, there is an (understandable) sense of not only isolation, but fear of "will I be next"?
2/Sudden onset of CHRONIC ILLNESS - (hypertension, heart disease, hospitalisation and the like, especially if one was in good health before
3/RETIREMENT- the gateway to "freedom"? Or an open door into a scary unknown of a loss of identity
Especially if there is a rotating family unit, ensure that you have a system of handover to inform for signs to monitor any changes .
Being mindful of the subtle signs can lead to early intervention and management , so remember to:
1/ Ask them if they feel unwell (most questions will be met with denial), so be inventive- call the Family Physician who may be able to better persuade for lab tests that may indicate a treatable cause (such as B12 deficiency or Thyroid disease)
2/Arrange a routine - having a definite idea of daily plans makes life seem less mundane and more worthwhile
3/ Encourage exercise (safely) , of all kinds, 🚴🏽🚲🏊🏽🧘🏽🧑🏽🌾🏡; memory games...
We ALL need and deserve to feel valid.💖
Let us bring compassion, empathy and understanding to the table.
You Got This!!!💘🎯We Got This!🎯💘🫱🏽🫲🏾!
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana..........................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on lanaslittlethings.com.
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯
#elderly health #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #depressionsymptoms #familycaregivers #mentalhealthstigma
Senior September continues with Mental Health Awareness!
This is still a hush-hush topic, but we must have the conversation.
Confusing, convoluted, and overlapping with so many other age related concerns. How CAN you tell if you or your loved one is struggling with mental health illness, and is there help?
There is always help of some kind. Awareness is key!
The major illnesses of
👉🏽😢Depression
👉🏽😠😢😡😂😀Mood swings
👉🏽💤😵💫Sleep disturbance
👉🏽🤐Withdrawal and disinterest
Especially if you are a Family Caregiver, please join me in the discussion on :
🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness
🧓🏽3 early signs early signs of mental health illness and
🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management
......................................................
🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness:
1/GRIEF and LOSS - as they see or hear of close friends , relatives and workmates die, there is an (understandable) sense of fear : "Will I be next"?
2/Onset of CHRONIC ILLNESS - (hypertension, heart disease and the like, especially if one has been in good health before)
3/RETIREMENT-gateway to "freedom"? Or an open door into a scary unknown or loss of identity?
...........................................................................
🧓🏽3 early signs of mental health illness:
Similar to infection in the elderly , mental health illness may not be straightforward may not as it can overlap with other diseases.
Bear in mind that these symptoms are usually to be thought significance after 6 weeks of consistent change, and is by no means exhaustive.
What is a broad , general rule of thumb? Be keenly observant for :
1/🧓🏽loss or increase of appetite (food and drink or one more than the other)
2/🧓🏽withdrawal- not as communicative , more tired, apathetic- not caring for self or house or surroundings and
3/🧓🏽they give up wanting to "bother " with health care in general- neglecting medication, refusing doctor visits.
........................................................................
🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management, remembering to be tactful and always mindful of preserving their dignity and right to be involved in their own care:
1/ Ask them if they feel unwell (most questions may be met with denial), so be inventive- call the Family Physician who may be able to persuade for lab tests that may indicate a treatable cause (such as vitamin deficiency)
2/Routine - having a definite idea of your daily plans makes life seem less mundane and worthwhile
3/ Physical exercise (safety 1st!), Memory games... they work!
We ALL need and deserve to feel valid.💖
From my heart to yours always💗
Dr. Lana
..........................................................
👉🏽If you're a Family Caregiver or Fellow Physician at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call with me- 📧 -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on my website lanaslittlethings.com for more insights
We are better together!💯
#elderly health #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #depressionsymptoms #familycaregivers #mentalhealthstigma
Senior September continues with Mental Health Awareness!
This is still a hush-hush topic, but we must have the conversation.
Confusing, convoluted, and overlapping with so many other age related concerns. How CAN you tell if you or your loved one is struggling with mental health illness, and is there help?
There is always help of some kind. Awareness is key!
The major illnesses of
👉🏽😢Depression
👉🏽😠😢😡😂😀Mood swings
👉🏽💤😵💫Sleep disturbance
👉🏽🤐Withdrawal and disinterest
Especially if you are a Family Caregiver, please join me in the discussion on :
🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness
🧓🏽3 early signs early signs of mental health illness and
🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management
......................................................
🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness:
1/GRIEF and LOSS - as they see or hear of close friends , relatives and workmates die, there is an (understandable) sense of fear : "Will I be next"?
2/Onset of CHRONIC ILLNESS - (hypertension, heart disease and the like, especially if one has been in good health before)
3/RETIREMENT-gateway to "freedom"? Or an open door into a scary unknown or loss of identity?
...........................................................................
🧓🏽3 early signs of mental health illness:
Similar to infection in the elderly , mental health illness may not be straightforward may not as it can overlap with other diseases.
Bear in mind that these symptoms are usually to be thought significance after 6 weeks of consistent change, and is by no means exhaustive.
What is a broad , general rule of thumb? Be keenly observant for :
1/🧓🏽loss or increase of appetite (food and drink or one more than the other)
2/🧓🏽withdrawal- not as communicative , more tired, apathetic- not caring for self or house or surroundings and
3/🧓🏽they give up wanting to "bother " with health care in general- neglecting medication, refusing doctor visits.
........................................................................
🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management, remembering to be tactful and always mindful of preserving their dignity and right to be involved in their own care:
1/ Ask them if they feel unwell (most questions may be met with denial), so be inventive- call the Family Physician who may be able to persuade for lab tests that may indicate a treatable cause (such as vitamin deficiency)
2/Routine - having a definite idea of your daily plans makes life seem less mundane and worthwhile
3/ Physical exercise (safety 1st!), Memory games... they work!
We ALL need and deserve to feel valid.💖
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
..........................................................
👉🏽If you're a Family Caregiver or Fellow Physician at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call with me- 📧 -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on my website lanaslittlethings.com for more insights
We are better together!💯
