Your Parents, Holiday Blues and Depression

What do you do if your parent seems “off” this holiday season?

You canʼt put your finger on it, but things just donʼt seem right

Consider the possibility of depression.
If so, you might see:

• Sleeping too much or too little
• Weight loss or weight gain
• New physical aches and pains
• New alcohol or drug abuse
• Lack of energy or slow movements
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

• Irritability or restlessness
• Expression of helplessness or hopelessness
• Difficulties with concentration or decision making
• Repeated references to death or suicide

Here are some triggers for depression

• Changes in medications
• Recent loss of a loved one
• A recent stroke, bypass operation, or hip fracture
• Severe and chronic pain
• Living alone and feeling socially isolated

Here are some things to consider:

Safety comes first. Ask, “Do you have any plans to harm yourself?” If the answer is “yes”, seek immediate medical attention. Itʼs really okay to ask this question; you wonʼt plant the idea.

Talk about the observed behavior. “Mom, Iʼm noticing youʼve lost a lot of weight.” or “Dad, it seems like itʼs hard for you to concentrate .” Avoid using the word “depression” if your loved one thinks of this condition as a shameful character flaw.
Encourage a trip to the doctor to evaluate worrisome symptoms. Ask the doctor, “Could this be depression? Is there some other reversible medical condition we should consider?”

Hang onto hope. Depression is a treatable medical condition in seniors.