Seniors and Depression

You've reached the age that you can now be considered a senior, but depression is not part of the enrollment package. Everyone has what are called senior moments; even the younger ones have that. But if you have come to a stage that you have withdrawn from life and feel that you have nothing to live for, you are wrong.

Do not sit on the sidelines for depression to steal your life from you; fight back! Help is there; all you have to do is look for it. Telling your doctor and your loved ones all of the symptoms is the first place to start. Depression can be hard to diagnose because it masquerades as just a part of aging. Weight loss or gain, non responsive aches and pains, excessive crying, extreme crankiness and energy loss are among the signs of depression.

The loss of a spouse or a spouse's health can have a tremendous impact on the mental health of the surviving spouse or on the spouse that assumes the role of the caretaker. Adjustment is hard, but eventually resuming a life happens. When an adjustment period does not happen, talking to a professional can help.

Senior citizens are always worried if they will outlive their money and this year is especially worrisome. Many of the retired elderly have most of their money tied to the stock market. Living on fixed incomes means that price increases in rent, gas, and food leave them with little to live on. This can instill panic and can lead to depression. Now is the time to be aware of your mental health and seek help. Your life depends on it.