Unfortunately, depression can be common in later life. As we get older, and especially after retirement, it’s normal to feel lonely or isolated. Our friends can start to move away, or struggle with ill health and social opportunities can decline. We might also start to worry about money, our health, and the future. After looking forward to retirement, many of us find it difficult, and mental health issues are something that many older people face in their later years. If you have older loved ones, this might be something that you worry about. Here are some of the signs to look out for.
Withdrawal from Activities and Hobbies
Hobbies and activities with friends help to boost our mental health. They give us things to look forward to and keep our minds active and alert while bringing us joy. When you’re suffering from depression, one of the best things that you can do is try a new hobby or spend time doing something that you love with friends. Many older people find that moving to a care home, like bailyhouse.co.uk, gives them access to shared activities and improves their mental health.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to remember this when you are depressed. One of the first things that you might notice is that your loved one is cancelling plans, ignoring hobbies, and spending more time doing things like watching TV that require less effort.
A Lack of Interest in Loved Ones
It’s hard to be interested in other people when you are depressed. You might notice that your loved one no longer asks after their grandchildren or other family members, or that they stop visiting, and attending family events.
Signs of Self Neglect
Another common early sign of depression, and one that you might notice more if you don’t see your loved one regularly, is self-care neglect. If your loved one is depressed, they might have stopped taking care of themselves and their homes. You might notice evidence of poor personal hygiene, or that they aren’t cleaning well at home.
Behavioural Changes
Depression often comes with anxiety, frustration, irritation, and other mood changes that can affect our behaviour. You might notice small things, like your loved one snapping or losing their temper more easily than usual, or larger changes, when it could seem like their personality is different.
A Lack of Motivation in the Mornings
People suffering from depression often say that they struggle to get out of bed in the morning. This lack of motivation for life is often most noticeable in the mornings when starting the day can just seem too much. If you visit and your loved one is still in bed late or hasn’t gotten dressed yet, they might be finding it harder than usual to motivate themselves to get going.
Weight Changes
Diet changes, often due to either a lack of appetite or eating unhealthy junk food instead of cooking are common when you are depressed. If you don’t eat with your loved one often, the first sign of this that you might notice is either sudden weight loss or gain.
If you do spot any of these signs or are otherwise worried about your elderly loved one’s happiness or well-being, speak to them, seek medical advice, and find ways to help.
