What should be done?

 

       Even though depression and anxiety are common, they are NOT normal, even among the disabled, ill, or elderly. These signs should always be reported to a physician.Other diseases can cause some of these symptoms, so the doctor will have to decide on a diagnosis and a treatment. Never assume that these signs are a normal part of disability, illness, or aging.

 

Preventing depression and anxiety

 

Although many types of depression and anxiety cannot be prevented, there are some general things that everyone can do to lower the risk of developing these conditions.

 

1. Keep and maintain friendships and social activities.

 

2. Develop enjoyable interests or hobbies.

 

3. Stay physically active. Exercise and stay physically fit.

 

4. Stay mentally active. Read, take classes, and learn new things.

 

5. Maintain contact with family members.

 

6. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

 

7. If you take medicines that might have depression or anxiety as side effects, follow the doctor's directions on using the medicines to lower the risk of those side effects.

 

 

Caring for people with depression or anxiety

 

Depression: The goal of care is to lift the person's mood.

 

•  Encourage depressed people to express their feelings. Listen to what they say. Accept them as they are without making judgments. Give them time to get their thoughts together and to tell you what they are thinking and feeling. Help them feel valued.

 

•  Brighten the environment by hanging pictures, posters, or family pictures. Make family photo albums easily available. Keep the environment neat and clean.

 

•  Encourage pleasant activities, such as listening to music or performing a hobby.

 

•  Encourage socialization. Start with one-to-one conversations, and gradually help them participate in larger social events.

 

•  Encourage daily exercise or activity. Even the disabled can usually move a few body parts.

 

•  Encourage as much self-care as possible. Help the person gain a sense of control by letting them make as many independent decisions as possible.

 

•  Pay attention if someone talks of self-injury or suicide. Always report this talk to a supervisor.

 

•  Be sure that the person takes his or her medications in the correct way and at the correct time.

​

 

Anxiety: The goal of care is to lower the person's anxiety level.

 

• Listen to a person's fears and anxieties. Respond with reassurance and support.

 

• The environment should be quiet and less stimulating than normal.

 

• Many people will never become completely free from anxiety. Help them learn to accept and tolerate a certain level of worry and anxiety. If they believe that you will assist them with their problems and keep them safe, their anxiety may be relieved.

 

• Sometimes an anxious person can be distracted if you help them think about something pleasant or relaxing, or have them picture a peaceful image.

 

• Help the person relax each muscle, guiding him or her to consciously and progressively relax every muscle from toes to head. Instruct him or her to breathe slowly and deeply.

 

• Help anxious people recognize that, although their feelings are real, their fears are not based on reality. Gently point this out: "You're feeling anxious, but you are really okay."

 

• Ensure that medications are taken as prescribed.

 

 

The warning signs of suicide

 

       Sometimes anxiety and depression occur together, or one may lead to the other. People suffering from either of these illnesses may decide they want to end their life. It is important to be alert to things that might indicate a person is seriously considering suicide. The suicide rate is twice as high in people over age 65 as it is in younger age groups. Untreated or mistreated depression can lead to suicide. Pay attention to these warning signs and report them:

 

•  Talking about suicide. Statements such as "I have no reason to go on living" are danger signs.

 

•  Being preoccupied with death.

 

•  Giving things away.

 

•  Stockpiling pills or obtaining some sort of weapon.

 

•  Refusing to follow doctor's orders about medications or diet.

 

•  Making unusual visits or calls to family and friends, and saying goodbye to loved ones.

 

•  Getting affairs in order or making funeral arrangements.

 

•  Losing interest in things or people that used to be important.

 

•  Suddenly becoming happier and calmer after a period of depression or anxiety.

 

•  Talking about how worthless or helpless they are, saying that they have no hopes or plans

 

 

Suicide Prevention

 

Here are some things you can do to help prevent someone from taking their own life:

 

1.  Recognize anxiety and depression in others, and help them get appropriate treatment.

 

2.  Remove any weapons, and be sure the environment is safe and secure.

 

3.  If you suspect that someone is thinking about suicide, ask them if they are. Don't be afraid that you'll be giving them ideas. If they tell you they are having these thoughts, report it.

 

4.  Be sure a depressed or anxious person is seeing the doctor as ordered and getting their medications.

 

5.  Reassure a suicidal person of how much you care. Explain that depression is no one's fault, that it can be treated, and that suicidal thoughts are temporary and will go away.

 

6.  Don't try to minimize the individual's problems. Don't tell him or her how hurt his or her family will be or that he or she has everything to live for, because doing so just makes him or her feel guilty and even more hopeless.

 

7.  If you suspect that someone is thinking about suicide, always report your suspicions to the appropriate person. Don't think that you are imagining things or getting worried for nothing. It is much better to be cautious in this situation.