October 6th is National Depression Screening Day
Senior Care in Frederick County VA
It is normal for all people to experience a myriad of emotions. On different days, your loved one may have different moods and emotions depending on the day’s events or factors such as sleep 
quality, nutrition, pain, etc. Since experiencing a wide range of emotions is normal, it can often be hard to discern when certain emotions and your loved one’s reaction to them are becoming problematic. Feeling low, sad, stressed, and irritable is something that can happen to anyone, but having these feelings chronically or for long periods of time can signify something more than a passing mood. The truth is, many seniors are at risk for depression due to life changes that happen as they age. However, recognizing depression can be hard which is why depression so often goes untreated. National Depression Screening Day is observed to encourage people to get screened for depression if they believe that they might be affected by it. Do you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression? Read on for a list of the signs and symptoms to watch for. If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is a great idea to encourage them to be screened for depression on National Depression Screening Day or sometime very soon. Depression is a treatable condition that doesn’t have to negatively impact your loved one’s quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
- Appetite changes are a sign of depression, but it isn’t always the same for everyone. Some may have the tendency to overeat while others will notice a lack of appetite.
- Your loved one may not seem interested in hobbies or activities that they once enjoyed. They may even withdraw from social interactions.
- With depression, many people experience changes in sleep which can mean either sleeping too much or insomnia.
- Fatigue or lack of energy is commonly felt with depression.
- Your loved one could even experience physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, cramps, and pain.
- One recognizable symptom of depression is persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness that do not go away.
- Your loved one may seem more pessimistic than usual and have feelings of hopelessness.
- Irritability, restlessness, and anxiety can also come with depression.
- Your loved one may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or even remembering things.
- One very serious symptom of depression that should never be ignored is thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. If your loved one talks of their thoughts of suicide, treatment should be sought right away.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional senior care in Frederick County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression
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