It is normal to feel sad over the loss of loved ones, your career, mobility or independence over weeks and even months. However, extended grief that causes you to lose joy and hope is not a normal result of the bereavement process – it is called depression.

Many seniors deal with depression

Depression in older adults is fairly common. Unfortunately only some of those affected get the help they require to deal with it. The reasons why this problem is unrecognized and undertreated in seniors are:

– Depressed silvers are often unwilling to discuss feelings and request help.

– Family and other support groups presume that depression is part of aging and that seniors have good cause to be depressed.

– Many older adults live in isolated circumstances with poor support systems and nobody notices their suffering.

– Physicians tend to concentrate on treating physical symptoms and ignore depression in seniors.

Leaving senior depression untreated can pose serious dangers including suicide, a higher mortality rate, prescription drug abuse, alcoholism, and other illnesses. So it is important to seek medical help when you notice signs of depression. The upside is that you can soon feel much better with support and treatment.

What makes you prone to depression

Often it is major life changes that can increases risk for depression. Older adults at highest risk are those facing issues with insufficient social support, substance abuse, poor health, and a family or personal history of depression.

Self-help tips to tackle depression

The main signs of depression is not wanting to interact with people and not wanting to do anything – even activities you enjoyed earlier. However inactivity and isolation only serve to worsen depression. You will feel better if you sustain a good level of social, mental and physical activity. Specific methods used to prevent and fight depression are:

– Get out in the world – Don’t remain at home the whole day. Take a walk to a nearby park, have regular outings or eat out with friends and family, take trips to the salon for makeovers and haircuts.

– Make a connection to others – Limit the time you spend by yourself. If you have mobility issues, invite loved ones over for visits or keep in contact by e-mail or telephone.

– Enjoy storytelling and jokes – Laughter is an instant mood-booster, so exchange jokes and funny stories with loved ones, read a joke book or watch comedy shows.

-Participate in pastimes you like – Pursue activities and hobbies that you enjoy.

– Eat right – Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid junk food, carbonated drinks and too much sugar. Take a multivitamin daily.

– Exercise regularly – You may be disabled, frail, ill or in a wheelchair, but there are still several exercises you can do safely to build stamina and strength.

– Learn something new – Choose a skill you have always wished to learn, or something that piques your creativity and interest.

– Volunteer time – Helping others is a great way to feel better and find new perspectives.

– Take a pet under your wing – A pet keeps you occupied, offers companionship and has been proven to be psychologically beneficial.

Author Bio: Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Twitter.

Category: Aging
Keywords: healthy,aging.coping,depression,seniors,elderly,tips,self.help