1. How Long Will You Let the Blues Hang Around?
It is normal to be down in the dumps occasionally--but not always. And if you're past your prime and are increasingly tired, grumpy or irritable, there is something amiss. Or do you take pills for arthritis, high blood pressure or heart disease? Indeed, the more anxious you feel about any of the serious ailments like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke or Parkinson's disease, the more depressed you could feel. But you should know that your mood can change even without a serious ailment. Perhaps you are worried or just plain stressed out. Or it might run in your genes. To know the cause is half the problem solved.
2. Looking for Depression
If you are pathologically depressed (more than 2 weeks at a time), your doctor will look for more than one sign. For instance, do you feel empty, sad and anxious most of the time? Watch out for signs of fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, sleep and eating problems, crying, unyielding aches and pains, issues with memory or attention, feelings of guilt or helplessness or hopelessness, irritability and thoughts of suicide. Your friends and loved ones can tell.
3. Asking for Help
It is never a bad idea to ask for help when you or your loved ones cannot put up with depression. Your family doctor should be approached for a confidential consultation. She will figure out if your depression can be traced to a physical ailment or a medication you are taking. If required, you might be referred to a geriatric psychiatrist or another mental health professional. Money should never be a criterion to approach a health professional. Insurance is always at hand, if not other ways to get around the issue. Your family and friends can play a key role in getting you out of the blues.
4. Banishing the Blues
Just as no two individuals are alike, treating your depression is tailored to your condition. You might be advised by your doctor to gain coping skills or social support from a senior center, volunteer service or nutrition program. For elderly depression, the U.S. National Institute of Aging suggests several ways to deal with it--talk therapies and medications. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat your depression. These pills run into 12 weeks to 6 months to show any effect, but they may also have side effects. If they do not work for you, there is electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) running into few weeks. It is essential that you notify your physician regarding any prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking.
5. Preventing Depression is Better
If you are on the verge of retirement, getting ready is a good idea. Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones is helpful. Hobbies and pastimes can often keep you busy. Exercise could take the form of gardening, dancing, swimming or simple walking each day for at least 15 minutes. Mental exercises such as moderate reading or writing can keep the faculties alive. A balanced diet and physical and mental fitness should keep depression at bay.
