Darker Days Can Affect Our Mood

With the holidays behind us, many of us may find ourselves grappling with a sense of emptiness. The departure of family members and the dimming of festive decorations often leave a void, further deepened by the shorter, gloomier days of winter. This lack of sunlight, vital for uplifting our mood, can contribute to a somber emotional state.

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for people to experience heightened feelings of sadness and anxiety. This is often diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that coincides with the changing seasons. Seniors are more prone to this form of depression due to various factors associated with aging.

The vulnerabilities of older age, such as the loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and the absence of the daily structure provided by a career, can intensify these feelings. Health issues like heart disease, vision impairment, mobility constraints, chronic pain, and natural age-related changes in the brain also contribute to an increased risk of depression. Additionally, certain medications or their combinations can elevate this risk.

If you or an elderly person close to you are experiencing continuous feelings of sadness, anxiety, a lack of energy, or a diminished interest in usually enjoyable activities, it’s important to discuss these symptoms with a doctor. Specialists in geriatric care emphasize that depression is not an inevitable aspect of aging. Rather, it’s a medical condition that can be managed effectively, much like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension.

The good news is that depression can be treated, even in older adults. And it’s not a normal part of getting older. Treatment for depression usually consists of some sort of psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and/or medications. Sometimes treating certain underlying health conditions, such as thyroid problems or a vitamin deficiency, is what’s needed. Often a combination of treatments is the most effective. No matter what a patient’s age, it’s important to identify the best plan of care.

Many people believe medication is the only way to treat depression, or that once you start taking certain medications for mental health you will be on them forever. But neither of these things are true. Doctors can prescribe light therapy, counseling, and even exercise to help treat depression. Nutrition plays a role as well. Research has shown that cutting down on refined carbohydrates may help.

Another reason to be optimistic is that Medicare has begun to cover couples counseling and individual therapy for seniors with mental health issues as of January 1, 2024.

Some seniors have a generational attitude of keeping one’s problems to oneself that makes them less likely to seek counseling. Self-sufficiency is a good thing, but if it keeps a person from getting the help they need, it is a misplaced virtue! Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Home care can help. Professional in-home caregivers are an important ally for treating depression in senior clients. They help clients follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations by:

• preparing recommended meals.
• accompanying clients on mood-boosting outings.
• providing supervision for exercise.
• picking up prescriptions, providing medication reminders, and reporting changes in physical and mental status.
• transporting clients to appointments with the doctor or mental health professional.
• helping clients avoid isolation and loneliness by providing companionship and activities in the home.