Almost everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives. In most cases, the feeling is experienced during holidays, stressful situations, and when you feel isolated. Loneliness is not healthy and can sometimes lead to depression. Older people are more vulnerable to depression and loneliness since they suffer through several changes as they grow older. Friends move away and families disintegrate. Depression and loneliness can have adverse health effects on the lives of seniors if not dealt with. Living with depression and loneliness? This article will show you the ways of Defeat Loneliness and Fight Depression for Seniors.
What Causes Loneliness and Fight Depression for Seniors?
As the environment and relationships change, older adults start to experience increased feelings of loneliness. What triggers loneliness among the elderly?
- Staying alone. Having no family or friends to live with can cause feelings of loneliness in seniors.
- Working from Growing older, it is imperative to be around people, such as coworkers if not family and friends. Being forced to work from home doesn’t allow you to interact with colleaguesd may cause loneliness.
- Ending a relationship. Experiencing divorce or separation from your long-term spouse can leave you feeling lonely.
- Death of a spouse. The death of a spouse you have been with for many years can be frustrating and cause feelings of loneliness. That is especially true if you are left with no one to stand with you in the trying times of your life.
- Lack of social connections. Seniors should be able to maintain meaningful social connections as this is essential for their health. Being unable to access such connections can cause loneliness. It is imperative to find a group to join and share life experiences.
- Retirement. Once you retire, there are high chances of losing your previous work-related connections. When this happens, you may experience feelings of loneliness.
- Being Unable to Participate in Recreational and Social Activities Because of Limited Funds. Because of the high cost of senior centers, one can end up alone simply because they are unable to afford them.
Health Risks Associated with Depression and Fight Depression for Seniors
Loneliness, first of all, brings about depression if not dealt with properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Depression, loneliness is more likely to cause heart disease, stroke, and may lead to seniors committing suicide. This is based on the level of depression one is experiencing. Seniors are at risk of experiencing health risks as a result of poor health. Recent research studies have also found that loneliness contributes to high blood pressure and obesity. It weakens senior citizens’ feelings of loneliness and makes them more likely to develop physical mobility impairments, denying them the ability to take care of themselves. Seniors also stand a high chance of developing a disability due to poor health and reduced access to community services that happen as a result of loneliness and depression.
What are the Symptoms of Depression & Fight Depression for Seniors?
- Having problems with memory.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Having thoughts of death or committing suicide.
- Having trouble making decisions concerning your life?
- Reduced concentration.
- Losing interest in activities you used to have fun doing.
- Changes in appetite.
- Feeling fatigued.
Some of these symptoms can be serious. For instance, having thoughts about suicide may need medical attention. Please talk to someone or contact a health care provider immediately after you start having such thoughts. Tell your loved ones how you are feeling and get access to the support you need. They can keep you away from wild thoughts.
How To Find Depression Treatment To Fight Depression for Seniors
Because depression can have harmful effects on your ability to perform daily life functions, it is critical to seek treatment. Depression can make it difficult to sleep, take away your enjoyment, and eventually make it more difficult to take care of yourself. In order to successfully treat depression, antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are used together. How do you find depression treatment when you need it to Fight Depression for Seniors?
- Look for a health care provider, a psychologist, or a therapist. There are many health care professionals specifically trained to deal with cases of depression. You can visit http://locator.apa.org/ to find psychologists in your area.
- You can visit the local offices of the National Alliance for Mental Illness or reach out by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can also reach out by sending an email to info@nami.org. Visit http://www.nami.org/.
- Visit the Psychology Today Directory to locate therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and psychologists. Visit http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/.
- To access low- or no-cost local resources, visit any of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offices.
- Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to get 24-hour assistance if you are suffering from emotional distress. Call 1-800-274-TALK (8255) to explain your situation before it is too late. Visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
How to Fight Loneliness and Depression for Seniors
You don’t have to have constant feelings of loneliness and depression to act. As much as you can, you can always strive to reengage with the people around you. This will help you feel better. Consider these strategies to fight loneliness and depression:
- Draft a plan of action. A plan of action can be one of the most effective strategies to fight the feeling of loneliness, whether it is acute or chronic. Have you tried meeting and having a chat with fellow seniors suffering from the same situation? Have you donated a smidgen of time and shared your skills and talents in your community? Implement this strategy and experience the most positive results.
- Make a Step to Get Out of Your Situation. Do anything that may help. Even having a friendly conversation can help a lot.
- Explore your faith. This is one of the most trusted strategies. You know why? Because it provides you with opportunities to have positive social encounters and this can help you out of your situation.
- Move arouyour pet.our pet. Did you know that pets like a dog can help you fight depression and loneliness? Since they are naturally social creatures, they will help you move out and get over your worries.
Also Read: Stairlifts For Seniors
