Are you feeling down or blue?
Everyone feels down, upset, or unmotivated at one point or another in their lives. This is expected in life when there are so many things happening that are beyond our control. Depression affects how you think, feel, and act. Many older adults struggle with depression because they are coping with changes related to aging or learning to live with a disability. Depression that goes beyond feeling blue and going through a “rough patch” in your life requires professional help. Chances are you also suffer from anxiety and persistent worry and this also can make your life difficult to live. Depression is often a significant risk factor for many other health problems, including suicide, particularly in older adults.
You may require professional help if you encounter any of the following:
- Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, on the verge of tears
- Irritability, agitation, and moodiness
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Abusing substances such as alcohol or painkillers
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Poor daily self-care
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in your energy levels
- Lack of concentration and difficulty making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Some medical conditions can mimic symptoms of depression and it is important to discuss this with your family doctor to rule this out. Your family doctor can decide if medication is needed to help alleviate some of your symptoms. Counseling also is an effective means for overcoming depression in combination with medication prescribed by your doctor. Cognitive Behavioral counseling approaches can help you recognize distorted thinking patterns that perpetuate depression and an inability to live life to the fullest.
I am someone who can help you recognize unproductive patterns of thinking so you can feel better again.
