Depression is a serious condition that can often require treatment by a medical professional. It is not a condition that people can necessarily snap out of. Depression is also not just normal feelings of sadness. It is perfectly normal to be sad for up to a few days at a time.
Symptoms of depression that may require treatment:
-Prolonged feelings of sadness or emptiness
-Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, anxiousness, or guilt.
-Loss of interest in favorite activities
-Social withdrawal
-Insomnia or oversleeping
-Increased pain
-Suicidal thoughts
General triggers for depression:
-Genetic history of depression
-Stress
-Brain chemistry
Specific triggers for elderly depression:
-Recent loss: The elderly are at a much higher risk of depression after the loss of a loved one.
-Physical changes/drug side effects: Depression can also start due to the physical affects of aging, co-occur with serious physical ailments, or be a side effect of medications to treat other ailments.
If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, may be suffering from depression, please seek treatment from a medical professional to determine the best course of action. While some people may improve over time, others may need treatment in the form of medication and/or treatment by a mental health professional.
