SENIORS' SAFETY

All of us go through sad times and difficult life events that can leave us feeling discouraged, sad and empty. It is common for these feelings to linger for some time. It is not common for them to take over normal functioning.

Depression becomes an illness when these feelings are severe. It affects our thinking, emotions, behavior and physical health. People who have depression feel hopeless and helpless. Some have problems remembering and making decisions.

Other symptoms include a lack of interest in life and sadness. There could be a change in eating and sleeping patterns. Fatique, loss of energy, guilt, difficulty concentrating, irritablility, crying and thoughts of suicide are symptoms.

There are no specific causes of depression. Factors that cause people to be depressed include stressful life events, like the death of a loved one, divorce or illness. Another factor might be a biochemical imbalance in the brain, genetics or family history. People who have low self-esteem or a negative view on life are also at a higher risk for depression. Regardless of the cause, it is more than just a state of mind.

While no one is immune, older adults as a group are not only at a higher risk for depression, but there are symptoms and complaints are often overlooked.

Many older adults are facing more significant life changes. Increased isolation, failing health, reduced sense of purpose, and increased fear for safety are examples. Many older adults are not eating well and are unable to safely exercise. Older adults do not like to ask for help or become a burden to families and friends.

Depression in seniors can present itself differently. Many seniors don’t seem to feel sad at all. Rather, physical complaints and pains become a focus to them and this can be a predominant sign of depression. Other signs are increased anxiety about health, money and the state of the world. Pacing, wringing their hands and fretting are common behaviors.

Many seniors feel depression is part of growing old. Caregivers and friends concentrate on the physical complaints rather than picking up on emotional stresses. This oversight can lead to increases illness, alcohol and drug abuse and thoughts of suicide.

The good news is, if detected, depression is treatable. Doctors can prescribe medications that can help people to sleep and to feeling better. Counseling could be an option for some.

Family and friends can encourage social connection as recovery takes place.

There are many more faces of depression. For those of us who know people with depression, we cannot understand their darkness or even begin to help with solutions. It can be emotionally draining.

For more information, please join a public forum on depression on Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Digby Regional High School Theatre. Talk to your doctor if you think you are suffering from depression, or contact the Canadian Mental Health Association at (902) 742-0222.

Dawn Thomas is Seniors’ Safety coordinator for the Town and Municipality of Digby