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.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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