Rehabilitation Services

Newspaper Column

For most of us, the holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. However, many people experience the "holiday blues" which is a type of depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that effects happiness and generally lowers one’s quality of life. It can range from feeling "sad" or a "little blue" to experiencing a severe psychotic depression causing an individual to lose touch with reality.

All ages, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds may be affected by depression but the senior population over the age of 65 is particularly vulnerable. It is estimated that six million older Americans suffer from chronic depression. The numbers are even higher for those in nursing homes.

Most senior citizens must cope with a series of losses including the death of parents, spouse, and/or friends. Retirement often produces a lack of structure in daily activities that may rob the retiree of a sense of purpose. Retirement may also mean limited financial resources that can compromise a senior’s quality of life. Also, acute or chronic medical problems may result in a loss or decline in health that may ultimately produce role reversal with children.

Daily living tasks and routine activities can become overwhelming. Seniors may find themselves dependent in ways that may be difficult or unacceptable. This is fertile ground for depression to take root and grow. Depression can rob an individual of his feelings of self worth, usefulness to society, and general value as a person.

Older people especially may have difficulty seeking help. They may view their depression as a "weakness" or just part of "growing older" and assume there is nothing available to relieve these feelings. There is also a tendency to focus on one’s physical illnesses and believe that depression cannot be helped as long as an illness is present. Research has shown that the mind and body are intricately connected. It makes sense that mental health well being will effect physical well being. Treating depression through activity, therapy, and/or medication should produce a positive effect in physical healing.

It is important to realize depression is an illness in much the same way diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diseases are illnesses. Depression can be treated successfully with appropriate intervention.

Listed below are some of the common symptoms of depression. If four or more are present for two or more weeks, talk with your family physician for an evaluation.

• Feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness
• Crying frequently for no apparent reason
• Recurrent headaches
• Chronic fatigue
• Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Changes in appetite with significant weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

There are several steps one can take to avoid or overcome mild depression.

Evaluate your diet and make sure it is well balanced. Poor nutrition can alter the brain chemistry and lead to depression or anxiety.

Cease smoking and decrease your caffeine intake. Smoking and caffeine can create depressive symptoms.

Scheduled regular exercise has been shown to increase the chemical endorphins that reduce depression.

Increase scheduled activities. Push yourself to become more involved with people and activities. More involvement provides an opportunity to be of service to others and increase feelings of self-worth.

For more information about depression, contact your family physician or your local mental health center.

Rita McClure, ACSW/LCSW, is a licensed certified social worker and board certified clinical social worker. With more than 30 years experience, including ten years in private practice, McClure provides social work services for HSC Rehabilitation Center.