Signs and Symptoms of Depression in the Elderly
Primary care physicians are the ones most likely to first recognize when a senior is at risk for committing senior suicide because they deal with elderly patients who often give clues.
Asking direct questions, experts say is the first step in determining the presence of clinical depression. Family doctors and caring family members or friends need to be more urging in having the dialogue with the patient. If there is any question of suicide in a senior patient or family member, professional help and guidance is needed immediately. Suicide can be prevented and new coping skills can be learned with patience and support.
Asking questions also about symptoms the senior may be experiencing. If someone they trust asks the question directly they are more likely to get real answers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms health care professionals and others should look for include:
- Chronic pain, stomach irritability or frequent headaches
- Fatigue, irritability and/or nervousness
- Nervousness, anxiety attacks
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness
- Feeling emotionally isolated
- Life is no ‘fun’ anymore, there is nothing to look forward to; a feeling of emptiness
- Sleeping and/or eating more or less than normal.
