Depression is not normal for any age. Growing older creates problems and stress that can lead to depression. The change in lifestyle from working full-time to retirement may cause problems with those adults that have worked hard all their life. Serious medical issues and mounting bill also can lead to depression. Many seniors face the loss of their spouse now of life, they are losing mobility, and some even lose their drivers license. All of these can lead to increased isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Many of us get the ‘blues” or down moods but if these feelings continue for more than several weeks you should consult a doctor or professional to see if you have a clinical depression. Depression affects all areas of our lives, our thinking, sleep, thinking, and even our physical health. Older adults often face joint and muscle pains that make many of your leisure activities difficult to do. You lose interest in them because of the pain and depression sets in.
You may experience a depressed mood after a loss, or a dramatic change in your life. If you have lost someone you love, grief is a normal process the body needs to go through. Depression often goes with grief but if it lasts longer than a few months, you may have a clinical depression.
Clinical depression is a whole body disorder. It affects the way you think, your response to situations, and even the way you feel physically. This depression will strike at least three people out of every one hundred people 65 or older. It’s serious and can lead to suicide.
The good news is that 80 percent of those diagnosed with clinical depression can be treated successfully with medications or therapy. Sometimes it takes both to bring relief from clinical depression.
There are several types of clinical depression. Major depression makes it nearly impossible to lead a normal life. Many times, someone with major depression cannot bring himself or herself to crawl out of bed. They don’t enjoy life, sleep well, and are unable to carry on their normal life. This can happen to a person once in their life, or be something that happens more than once over their lifetime. Therapy is considered important in finding the underlying cause of the problem. A traumatic event that happened years ago may be what is causing the problem. A trained therapist can help you face those fears or traumas and help you on the road to recovery.
Bipolar disease is another form of depression. It is characterized by extreme highs, and extreme lows. This disease is often referred to as manic-depressive illness. This disease normally starts in the early to mid 20’s, but occasionally, it can occur when they are teenagers. Many are not properly diagnosed until they reach middle age. Sometimes a misdiagnosis of depression, and consequent treatment can cause major problems in family relationships. This form of depression needs immediate treatment. If a person has been diagnosed with bipolar depression early, they may still experience recurring bouts for the rest of their lives. If you think you or a loved one is experiencing any of the signs of bipolar disease, they need to seek treatment. This is something that just doesn’t go away. It probably will need medication as well as therapy. Don’t wait until it destroys your family or causes a suicide.
Symptoms of a Mania are:
Extreme and unreasonable irritability.
High moods that is excessive in quantity.
Decreased need for sleep.
Grandiose notions.
Easily distracted.
Increased energy.
Inability to make good decisions.
Excess energy, constantly on the move or talking.
Because bipolar is so often misdiagnosed, treatment that is suitable for that disorder is not prescribed. The result can be many years of depression, problems, and a host of other problems.
Depression can also share symptoms with other physical problems. That is why it is so important to have a doctor thoroughly go over your symptoms to be sure of the correct diagnosis. A serious physical illness must be ruled out before a diagnosis of bipolar or clinical depression can be given.
Depression occurs in heart attack and cancer patients at a much higher percent, so close watch should be given to a loved one experiencing one of these problems.
July 28, 2007
Depression and Its Affect on the Elderly
July 27, 2007
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
One of the most exhausting conditions that affect adults with anxiety disorders is post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition usually follows someone who survives a physical or emotional event that was terrifying to him or her. Brought to the forefront by our veterans, it was often called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue.” It’s been found to occur in both men and women who have had serious car accidents, survived a natural disaster, bombings, a plane crash, or violent personal attacks. Abuse in childhood also can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. How severe the disorder will be is determined by the length and severity of the event that caused it.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by an event that happened in the person’s life, in the life of someone close to him or her, or something they witnessed. Many citizens of New York have been treated for PTSD after the events on 9/11. PTSD has already appeared in those who were affected by the devastating hurricanes that occurred in the South.
People who suffer from PTSD will have extreme emotional, mental, and physical distress if they are placed in a situation that reminds them of the event. Some may relive the situation repeatedly in the form of nightmares, or “flashbacks” during the day. Other symptoms may include sleep problems, easily startled, and have problems feeling loving and affectionate. Depression, a constant jittery feeling, or a feeling of being numb or detached from your surroundings is also signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Anyone suffering from this disorder also stay away from places or situations that bring back bad memories and are sometimes more aggressive, irritable, or even violent.
These symptoms can also be found in other anxiety disorders so it is important to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. Post-traumatic stress disorder will only be diagnosed if the symptoms have lasted longer than a month. It usually starts about three months after the event happens, but has been known to occur years after a traumatic event. Some will not be able to remember the event unless they are in therapy. Many block out events until something later brings the memories to the surface.
This disorder can occur at any age, including childhood. Depression, substance abuse, and anxiety are signs of PTSD. Some will recover in six months, for others, it may be a much longer period.
What is the treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder? Treatments will vary from person to person according to their medical history, overall physical health, and age.
The extent of how the disease has progressed is something else to consider. Your doctor should also understand your tolerance for specific medications and your preferences. Someone with PTSD is also susceptible to other anxiety disorders such as substance abuse and depression. Treatment is critical and can include medication, therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback. Antidepressants or medications for anxiety are used and psychological treatment both may be used to fight this disorder.
In this era, mental disorders do not carry the stigma they did in previous generations. It is common now for people to admit to taking antidepressants or having therapy. Support groups have sprung up that help them get through the recovery period. Some of the most successful programs are based on the 12-step program from Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you or someone you love is displaying any of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, try to get them to a medical professional. This disorder can lead to severe drug or alcohol abuse, depression, and even suicide. Emotional support from family and friends can help those who suffer from PTSD.
Treatment is available to all that need it. Veterans, if you are suffering from PTSD go to local veterans office. If you can’t afford to get the proper therapy or medication, contact your local mental health agency. State funded programs are available for those who qualify as low-income and don’t have a large income.
If someone you love suddenly is extra irritable, have violent outbursts, have trouble with socializing, and working, find them some help. If they are having flashbacks when they hear different sounds, smell some odors, or have feelings the event can happen again, they need help to work through the event and get better. Medication can help but finding the underlying cause of the trauma may be the most helpful in handling post-traumatic stress disorder.
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