The best way to care for those wanting to stay at home instead of living in a nursing home is to understand what they are going through. Having knowledge about patients, like common mental health conditions they may face, creates space to provide the best treatment possible. For example, depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million adults over the age of 65. The senior population accounts for 20 percent of all suicides, with the highest success rate belonging to senior men. Depression is one of the top factors leading to seniors attempting suicide.
Having these conversations about mental health raises awareness, opens up doors to provide educational resources, and helps reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Below are a few warning signs of depression to look for in those you love:
1: Persistent sadness
2: Loss of interest
3: Fatigue
4: Insomnia or excessive sleeping
5: Feelings of Hopelessness or worthlessness
6: Decrease in energy
7: Difficulty concentrating
8: Increase or decrease in appetite
9: Thoughts of death, dying or suicide
10: Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements