Helping A Senior With Depression After The Loss Of A Spouse
by: Jackie Waters from Hyper Tidy
Losing a spouse at any stage of life is an
enormous, life-changing event. When it happens to a senior, however, it can be
particularly difficult to cope with. After spending so many
years together building a life and having children, seeing the person you love
go before you is devastating. For many seniors, depression is a very real
concern, and it can be amplified by other health concerns or substance abuse.
It’s important to keep in mind that it’s also a
very confusing time; many seniors are unsure of where to begin when it comes to
making arrangements,
informing family members, and getting their affairs into order. This
overwhelming process can lead to stress, anxiety, loss of sleep, and mood
swings, all of which contribute to depression.
If you have a loved one who has recently lost a
spouse and you suspect they may be suffering from depression, it’s never too
late to reach out to help. Read on to find out the best ways to get started.
Get
support
The loss of a spouse can take a huge toll on an
individual, both physically and emotionally, so
it’s important to find a means of support outside of friends and family who
won’t always be around. A counselor, therapist, or support group for grief are
all great ways to help your loved one get through this difficult time. Do some
research online and write down names, numbers, websites, and addresses so that
when your loved one is ready to take that step, he’ll have a list of resources.
Know
the signs of substance abuse
The loss of a partner can be so monumental that
it seems that pain will never go away. People who are coping with loss and
grief often turn to a substance that helps them numb those feelings, and it’s
all too easy to become dependent on those substances. Knowing the warning signs
of substance abuse will allow you to help your loved one before any damage is
done. These include:
●
Sleeping too much or too little
●
A lack of hygiene
●
Sudden mood swings
●
Withdrawing from friends and
family
●
Having a strong odor of alcohol
on their breath, or constantly using mouthwash/mints
●
Chills or sweating
●
Changes in behavior
●
Tremors in the hands
Depression and substance abuse are often
diagnosed together. For more information on how to get help for your loved one
who is exhibiting these symptoms, read on here.
Get
help
For many seniors, a spouse can play the role of
caregiver. As the years go on and we begin to exhibit more and more health
issues, having a loving partner there to help with medicine and doctor’s visits
and to be a comforting presence in case of an emergency is essential. Your
loved one must now face living alone and all that entails. One of the best ways
to help ease some of the stress that brings is to find help. Whether it’s in
the form of a friend or family member coming over a few times a week to assist
with laundry and the dishes or hiring a housekeeper to come and help out, your
loved one will benefit from having someone there. You might also consider
hiring a home health nurse if your loved one has physical ailments.
It can be difficult to watch your loved one go
through such a hard time, so think about yourself and your emotional needs, as
well, especially if these are family members or close friends. Don’t hesitate
to reach out for help if you feel you need to talk to someone. It’s not selfish
to keep your own needs in mind when someone you care about passes away.
