Sadness vs Depression
What is a NORMAL emotion people experience from time to time.
Sadness
Which gender more at risk for depression?
Female
Depression is untreatable.
FALSE. Depression can be treated and managed with medication, therapy, and support from loved ones.
If untreated, depression can lead to.....
Suicide.
Focus not on the past or future, but the ......
Present/ NOW
Sadness is a ___________ response. Depression is an ____________ response. (normal or abnormal)
Sadness is a NORMAL response.
Depression is an ABNORMAL response.
What are two symptoms you can see in older adults who experience depression?
Loss of interest in favorite hobbies,
change in weight/appetite,
inactive, socially withdrawn/isolated,
sad or irritable,
difficulty sleeping,
misuse drugs or alcohol
Depression is a real illness.
TRUE. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain.
What are two ways to help an older adult with depression?
Offer support, understanding, and encouragement.
Have a nonjudgemental approach.
Talk to them and listen carefully.
Help with transportation to doctor visits.
Invite them out (get them out the house).
Help them keep track with their medication/ appointments.
Who can an older adult with depression talk to?
Family, friends, doctor, and therapists. As a caregiver, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.
A chemical imbalance in the brain characterized by a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.
Depression
Which gender more likely to show signs of irritability, anger, and feeling on "edge"?
Male
People should cease taking their antidepressant medicine when they feel better.
FALSE. Antidepressant medicine should be taken regularly, even when feeling in a good mood.
What is one way to help an older adult stick with their medication regime?
Have a pillbox and place it in an area they will remember to take it.
Pair taking medicine with a daily activity (EX: eating breakfast, washing teeth).
Have reminders and rides set up to go to follow up doctor appointments.
Make a list in large print of the medications they are on, its dose, and why they are taking it to help remind them.
What are some ways to prevent sleep disturbance?
Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule.
Avoid naps during the day.
Avoid caffeine.
Unlike sadness, depression not go away. True or False.
FALSE.
What are two signs someone with depression may feel, but others CANNOT see?
Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or helpless.
Fatigue.
Feel physical aches or pains.
Thoughts about suicide or death.
Depression rarely occurs in older adult males.
FALSE. Depression can occur at any age. Older adult males may show signs of depression that are excused for another problem.
EX: feeling irritable or on edge, tired, or misuse alcohol/drugs
What are some other ways to help with depression other than medication?
Therapy, exercise/yoga, talking to family members or friends about feelings, spending time with loved ones
What are some ways, as a caregiver, you can offer help?
Offer support, encouragement, understanding, patience.
Listen to them.
Have a nonjudgemental approach.
Feeling sad for a long period of time is the ONLY symptom of depression. True or False.
FALSE.
What are two factors that increase a person's risk for depression?
Family history, use certain medications, suffer from a brain disease, experienced stressful life events, are recently retired, have a chronic medical illness, disability, lives alone/socially isolated, female
Ignoring comments about suicide helps. Switching the topic to something more positive gets their mind off of harming themself.
FALSE. Do NOT ignore comments about suicide or harming of self. Switching the topic to something else does NOT help the situation.
What is psychotherapy?
Therapy to teach individuals how to improve thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
What are some resources that are helpful if someone starts having suicidal thoughts?
Call your doctor.
Call 911 for emergency services
Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is a round the clock toll free phone service.