Depression in the Elderly - Self Help Tips
Yesterday I talked at some length about things you could do to help a depressed loved one but today I’d like to take a look at self help tips for the depressed elderly population.
I have already mentioned this, but it’s so important that I feel like I have to mention it again isolation and inactivity only make depression worse in most people; the more active you are (socially, mentally, physically and spiritually), the better you will feel. Therefore, my first tip for self-help is:
>get out into the world! Don’t stay stuck in your house all day long. Go to the park, take a trip to the beauty salon (get your hair did!) or call a friend to have lunch with them. Get out!
>along the same lines, connect to others; don’t spend all your time alone. If you can’t get out to socialize, ask loved ones to come and visit you. Call people, email them, but connect to them!
>do you remember how scrapbooking used to make you so happy? Why don’t you try that again? Pick up hobbies and pasttimes that you used to enjoy and see if you still enjoy them as much!
>give your time to others. If you can get out, helping others is probably the best way to feel great about yourself. This may also combat those feelings of helplessness due to retirement. You can do something to add to the world.
>if allowed, get a pet to keep you company. Studies show that just petting animals can lower blood pressure and make people calmer.
>laugh at something! Laughter provides a definite mood booster, so tell a joke, read a joke, search for silly videos on YouTubeDigger (btw, they need a current writer for that blog if anyone is interested) and see what you can find. My favorite laugh-inducing YouTube video is below. Tell me you don’t laugh watching that!
mental & emotional health, depression, elderly depression, self-help tips, evolution of dance
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