Depression is NOT a Normal Part of Aging

By Sera Redmonds

Do you think that elders are supposed to be gloomy and depressed? Let me tell you that depression is NOT a normal part of aging. It is a medical condition that can and should be treated at any age. Untreated depression in the elderly is more likely to lead to suicide than in any other age group. If you're over 65 or care for someone who is, you need to know that DEPRESSION IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING. In fact, it is not normal at any age.

The many possible causes for depression in the elderly come from many different sources. Like unresolved, repressed traumatic experiences from childhood or later life may surface when a senior slows down, previous history of depression, damage to body image (from amputation, cancer surgery, or heart attack), fear of death, frustration with memory loss etc. Many medications as well as alcohol can also cause depression in older.

Most of the time, people worry themselves into depression. This “what if” syndrome can emerge when one of the parent develops a degenerative or life-threatening illness, like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or a heart condition, they wonder what is going to happen to them. Or, after undergoing a major illness themselves, they may fear for their own lives. However normal the symptoms are, these concerns are not productive and can be damaging. The most common treatments for depression in the elderly are treatment of underlying medical conditions, counseling, psychotherapy, trauma-focused therapy, a combination of antidepressants and therapy, frequently monitored, low dose antidepressant medications, hormone replacement therapy, a change in prescription or dosage to alleviate some symptoms -- if the depression is a side effect of a medication taken for another condition.

Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and other benzodiazepines can help depressed people feel better by controlling certain symptoms. You can even order Xanax via internet. But taking a pill does not cure depression or make problems go away. It is important to get counseling to assist in dealing with the issues themselves. There are also many self-help activities that can help elevate the mood of seniors. Adding that state of mind to any of the following may kindle your imagination and take your mind off of your troubles:

• Mild exercise (walking or even chair exercise)
• Music (listening, sing-along)
• Pets (stroking animals has been shown to elevate mood
• Gardening or other hobbies
• Reminiscing, either with other elders or with younger people
• Visiting family members and friends
• Humor (such as telling jokes, emailing funny stories, watching old comedy shows)
• Social interventions to help with isolation and loneliness such as: group outings, regular visits from concerned people, participation in a support group
• Maintaining a healthy diet enhanced by a multivitamin
• Volunteering to help others
• Joining a religious or spiritual community.

Now, if you feel that you are depressed, do not just sit idly, do something about it.

About the Author:

Sera Redmonds, addresses mental health related issues and anti-anxiety pills like xanax . If you wish to seek help for psychological problems to help yourself or your loved ones, you can log on to xanax-effects.com for more information and advice.

Article courtesy of www.easyarticles.com.