The elderly and the elderly suffering holiday depression

Christmas approaches, most of us are starting to feel the joy and anticipation holiday holidays bring. We marvel at houses bedecked with brilliant multi-colored lights and are lifted up out of a sense of family. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning and the presents, parties and celebrations.

But not everyone enjoys the holiday cheer. In fact this is the time of year when many retirees, elderly and disabled individuals succumb to depression. It's hard to let go of the celebrated year after year, when you have lost people you've known for years of sickness and old age. Also taking less relatives and friends in your life means you can feel forgotten or to believe that the burden of those who know. Many pensioners and elderly people gradually withdraw and their families and loved ones may not even realize they are depressed.

Depression is easy to overlook because we all felt down, sad or frustrated at one point or another, and clinical symptoms encompasses so many other diseases. Someone suffering from depression may not even realize it, they may think they are tired or burned out. Depression is an insidious disease that is difficult to recognize and combat, especially alone.

The most common symptoms of depression are fatigue and lack of energy and enthusiasm, feeling worthless or hopeless, irritability or anxiety. People suffering with depression lose interest in the hobbies and activities they usually enjoy, have problems with making decisions and concentrating or remembering details. Loss of appetite or overeating is also an indicator that something serious is wrong. Another possible sign of depression is the insomnia, the inability to sleep adds to the face of the failure to concentrate or think clearly. Lack of sleep also can cause hallucinations and feelings of hopelessness. And of course, suicidal thoughts or attempts of suicide.

The thought of being alone during the holidays can be extremely painful and unbearable even without clinical depression. Fortunately there is a solution. If you know someone suffering from depression or who needs home care services, homecare agencies can arrange a senior companion or caregiver to provide the company and help. Services are or hour or 24 hour live in care and may include communication, personal hygiene, housecleaning, laundry, errands, cooking and transportation to doctor and social commitments.

Jackie Brown was a case manager at a-1 home care agency and is the author of several papers and articles on their website and blogs. She has written about depression and other senior illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia and the caregiver services.