Lesser-Known Symptoms of Depression

When it comes to depression, well-known symptoms like hopelessness and sadness can be easy to recognize. However, some symptoms of elderly depression are harder to recognize. Here, we discuss the lesser-known symptoms of depression to watch out for:

• Weight and appetite changes.
  Eating too much or too little can indicate depression. Some people may lose their appetite due to low mood or turn to food for comfort leading to weight changes. Hence, large weight fluctuations may be a sign of unmanaged depression.

• Physical pain and health disorders.
  Although depression is a mental health condition, it can have physical consequences too. Seniors may experience the physical symptoms of depression like backache, headache, digestive problems, and chronic pain conditions. A Medicare benefit in Florida can help seniors get the help and support they need to improve their overall well-being.

• Negative self-talk.
  This involves an inner dialogue that is self-critical and damaging to one’s sense of worth. Many seniors with depression engage in negative self-talk and default to critical thoughts toward themselves. Counseling for seniors can help them replace negative thoughts with positive emotions and healthy ways to cope with depression.

• Forced happiness.
  Some seniors may try to hide their depression by appearing happy in the company of others. Over time, this mask may slip and cause the person to show signs of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness. This can lead to isolation and fatigue.

Are you looking for a Medicare benefit in Texas that can help your elderly parent or loved one deal with depression? A & B Counseling Services LLC is here to provide support. Reach out to us to find out more about our depression and anxiety counseling services.