Seniors and the elderly suffer from holiday depression

As Christmas approaches, most of us will begin to feel the joy and anticipation of the holiday festivities. Marvel at houses bedecked with brilliant color and light are uplifted a sense of family. It's easy to get caught up in the planning and the excitement of gifts, parties and celebrations.

But not everyone rejoices at the festive revelry. In fact, it is a period when many seniors, elderly and disabled individuals succumb to depression. It's hard to go to celebrate year after year, when you have lost people that I've known for years of illness and old age. Also in life means you can feel forgotten or believe that you are a burden for those who you with fewer relatives and friends. Many seniors and elderly people gradually withdraw and their families and loved ones may not even realize that they are depressed.

Depression is easy to overlook because we all feel down, sad or frustrated at one time or another, and clinical signs cover many other diseases. Someone suffering from depression may not even realize that they can only think you are tired or burned out. Depression is an insidious disease that is hard to recognize and combat, in particular himself.

The most common symptoms of depression are fatigue and lack of energy or enthusiasm, feeling worthless or hopeless, irritability or anxiety. People suffering from depression lose interest in the hobbies and activities tend to have problems making decisions and to concentrate or remember the details. Loss of appetite or overeating is also an indicator that something is wrong. Another possible sign of depression, insomnia, inability to sleep, adds the person's inability to concentrate or think. Lack of sleep can also cause hallucinations and increase a sense of hopelessness. And of course, having thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.

The idea of being alone during the holidays can be very painful and unbearable even without clinical depression. Fortunately there is a solution. Do you know someone suffering from depression or who needs home care services home care agency, may organise a Senior Companion or carer, to society and help. Services are either hourly or 24 hour live in care and may include friendship, personal hygiene, cleaning, laundry, errands, cooking and transportation to a doctor and social events.

Jackie Brown is a case manager and-1 home care agency and is the author of several articles on their websites and blogs and newsletters. She wrote about depression and other senior illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, dementias and caregiver services.