Five Signs of Depression in Your Loved One—and How You Can Help

Is your aging loved one acting unusually irritable, turning down invitations, or struggling to understand instructions? These behaviors are not normal parts of aging. In fact, he or she may be experiencing depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause changes in thoughts and behaviors. In anyone of any age, you should take symptoms seriously and address them with proper treatment. But what are the signs of depression in older adults, and how can you help your loved one?

What are the signs of depression?

We know caring for an aging family member is a big responsibility and time commitment. If you notice your loved one is acting a little differently, you may want to consider a mood disorder.

There are a few key signs that suggest depression may be a problem:

1. Loss of Interest

While your aging family member may not be able to do all of the same activities he or she previously enjoyed, losing interest in these things can be a sign of depression. Additionally, if your loved one stops trying to keep up his or her appearance, that may be cause for concern.

2. Social Withdrawal

If you notice your loved one withdrawing from social events, you may want to ask how he or she is feeling. Breaking commitments and stopping contact with friends or family members may signal struggles with depression.

3. Trouble Concentrating

Difficulty staying focused on tasks can be a sign of depression in elderly loved ones. If he or she is having trouble concentrating when giving or receiving instructions, reading, or even doing enjoyable activities, this can cause problems around the house and emotionally.

4. Confusion

It’s never a good sign for a loved one to feel confused, but it’s important to investigate the cause. While it can be a sign of age-related memory problems, mental confusion can also signal depression. Ensure what the source of the issue is so your family member can begin the proper treatment.  

5. Mood Changes

If your loved one seems unusually grumpy or irritable, it may be a sign of depression. While a little frustration with the difficulties of aging are normal, lasting mood changes can be a sign of a more serious mental health condition.

How can you help?

Nobody wants a loved one to feel sad or helpless, so it’s important to take signs of depression seriously. If you’ve noticed these five changes or other behaviors that concern you, here are a few steps you can take to get help.

Doctor’s Visit

A visit to your family member’s primary care physician is an excellent first step in developing a treatment plan for depression. He or she can evaluate your loved one, recommend options like therapy or medication, and even refer you to a trusted expert.

Therapy

Therapy can be a great way to help treat depression in your older loved one. By discussing the struggles of aging with a counselor and the changes necessary to keep him or her healthy and safe, your family member can start to view the situation more positively.  

There are a variety of therapeutic options, and the professional you see will help you and your loved one decide what the best approach is. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to treat depression by teaching the patient to manage and rework negative thought patterns. The state of his or her condition may determine the need for short- or long-term treatment.

Medication

While medication doesn’t guarantee your loved one will return to his or her old self, many people do respond well to prescriptions designed to lessen the mental, social, emotional, and even physical components of depression. A primary care physician with behavioral health knowledge or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for your family member.

Just Listening

While getting professional help is a necessity for a loved one with depression, showing him or her support can make treatment easier. Take time to sit down with your family member to talk about his or her thoughts and feelings a few times per week so you can monitor progress and just check in. While caregiving is a time-consuming undertaking, this small gesture can help him or her feel heard and loved on the treatment journey.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs of depression in your aging loved one, you may want to help him or her seek treatment. Getting older is difficult, but you can make it easier on your older relative with proper care.

Ensuring he or she is mentally well can take time, so if you need help with other care responsibilities, you may consider hiring an expert. Then, you can spend much-needed quality time talking with your loved one, enjoying activities together, and providing emotional support to help him or her feel better.

Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide services such as transportation, personal care, and companionship to your loved ones so they can remain safely at home and maintain as much independence as possible. For more information, please visit our website or like us on Facebook.