Senior Care News

Elder Care Houston: October is National Depression Education Awareness Month

October is National Depression Education Awareness Month
by Lu Ann Presser, Dorothy Love Retirement Community

Major depression affects an estimated 19 million American adults every year. Nearly twice as many women as men suffer from depression. It affects the young and elderly alike and can go unnoticed, especially in our elderly who do not have caregivers providing elder care.

Symptoms of major depression interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, or enjoy pleasurable activities. It can occur at any age.

Low levels of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine are believed to attribute to depression. These substances are called neurotransmitters and they carry electrical signals from one nerve cell in the brain across spaces (called synapses) to other cells.

Life events may also be responsible for a person’s depressed mood, such as a death of a loved one, financial concerns, martial problems, and health issues.

In the past few years we have heard much about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In the winter months we are exposed to less light. Research indicates that the absence of sunlight triggers a biochemical reaction that may cause loss of energy, fatigue and lethargy, decreased activity and sadness.

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If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Houston, contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We provide quality and affordable elder care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at 832-271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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