As Christmas approaches, most of us begin to feel the delight and anticipation the holiday festivities bring. We marvel at the houses bedecked with brilliant multi-colored lights and are uplifted by the sense of family. It's easy to get caught up in the planning and excitement of presents, parties and celebrations.
But not everyone rejoices at the holiday cheer. In fact this is a time of year when many seniors, elderly and disabled individuals succumb to depression. It's difficult to go on celebrating year after year when you've lost people you've known for years to illness and old age. Also, having fewer relatives and friends in your life means you can feel forgotten or believe you're a burden to those who know you. Many seniors and elderly people withdraw gradually and their families and loved ones may not even realize they are depressed.
Depression is easy to overlook because we've all felt down, sad or frustrated at one time or another and the clinical symptoms cover so many other illnesses. Someone suffering from depression may not even realize it, they may just think they're tired or burned out. Depression is an insidious illness that is hard to recognize and fight, especially alone.
The most common symptoms of depression are fatigue and lack of energy or enthusiasm, feelings of being worthless or hopeless, irritability or anxiety. People suffering with depression lose interest in hobbies and activities they usually enjoy, have trouble making decisions and concentrating or remembering details. Loss of appetite or overeating is also an indicator that something serious is wrong. Another possible sign of depression is insomnia, the inability to sleep adds to the person's failure to concentrate or think straight. Lack of sleep can also cause hallucinations and increase feelings of hopelessness. And of course, having thoughts of suicide or making suicidal attempts.
The thought of being alone during the holidays can be overwhelmingly painful and unbearable even without clinical depression. Fortunately, there is a solution. If you know someone suffering from depression or who needs in home care services, homecare agencies can arrange a Senior Companion or Caregiver to provide company and assistance. Services are either hourly or 24 hour live in care and can include companionship, personal hygiene, housecleaning, laundry, errands, cooking and transportation to doctor's and social appointments.
Jackie Brown is a Case Manager at A-1 Home Care Agency and is the author of several newsletters and articles on their website and blogs. She has written about Depression and other senior ailments including Alzheimer's, Dementia and Caregiver Services.
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