Depression is a severe mood disorder that can impact the way that you feel, act or think. It is often a common problem amongst older adults and is something that needs to be taken seriously. It is not necessary to suffer alone given that aid and treatment options are always readily available. Common types of depression include Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Substance Depressive Disorder as well as Depressive Disorder due to a medical condition. The onset of depression can often be exacerbated by certain risk factors, here are some of the steps you can take to prevent depression for your age.
Risk Factors of Depression
Some risk factors of depression would be a major life-altering event such as a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death. Other factors like genetics, caregiver stress, sleep problems, social isolation and loneliness, lack of exercise or physical activity as well as functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult or alcoholism or addiction can all contribute to the probability of depression. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of these risk factors, it would be ideal to monitor them closely and offer support if necessary.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Some common signs and symptoms of depression especially for older adults can be listed as follows
- A persevering sad mood
- Ideas of hopelessness, nihilism, guilt or low self-esteem
- Trouble staying still
- Loss in once enjoyable hobbies and activities
- Delayed Reactions
- Trouble focusing, remembering or being decisive
- Insomnia, oversleeping
- Binge eating, not eating at all, combined with unplanned weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
Depression can also show up in different ways based on your cultural background. For those of differing cultures, it might manifest as psychosomatic symptoms such as aches, pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems.
Prevention of Depression
Healthy lifestyle changes might be able to help you to reduce the risk of depression. Some things you could do would be to
- Be more physically active and consume a healthy, balanced diet. This can not only help in preventing physical illnesses, but mental illnesses as well by increasing endorphins in your body.
- Achieve at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
- Stay in touch with connections with your loved ones
- Reach out if you ever need help
Head over to Aston Gardens at Sun City Center
In order to properly take care of your health in your old age, you could head over to Aston Gardens at Sun City Center for a peaceful retirement setting. We are a critically-acclaimed retirement community located in Sun City Center, Florida and place customer service as the pride of everything that we do. Residents here can enjoy carefree and independent lives as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep their mental health in check. We have tons of recreational activities to keep you occupied and active so you can keep your days fulfilled and prevent the onset of depression. Contact us now in order to find out more!
