Questions About Clinical Depression
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How do you treat grief-related depression?
Question - It is wonderful you are concerned about your mom, and looking for help. It sounds like your dad died very young, and that makes things particularly hard on everyone, especially your mom. I would be happy to give you some thoughts about the treatment of her depression, but I am afraid I don’t know w... -
Do men go through menopause?
Question - ELLO, My name is miss Rita, i saw your profile today and became interested in you,i will also like to know you the more,and i want you to send mail to my email address so i can give you my picture for you to know whom i am.Here is my email address rita.simon58@yahoo.com I believe we can move from here and I am waiting reply soon... -
How do I help a friend dealing with illness and depression?
Question - Don know what to say I can just advice you to pray to God about the condition of your friend.its only God who can help her, and don't gave up on her God Bless tour a good friend -
Is there treatment for elderly depression?
Question - It's so heartbreaking to watch someone struggle with depression…and it's far worse when you feel powerless to help. First off, I have to say that you should NOT feel guilty about living your own life. And you shouldn't feel that you're responsible for your mother's happiness or lack there... -
How can I tell if behavior is related to depression or dementia?
Question - These are just some of the struggles we encounter when loved one’s depression or dementia causes off behavior. -
FAQ: What Should I Do if I Feel Suicidal?
Question - First, tell someone close to you rather than keeping suicidal thoughts to yourself. You may be reluctant to "burden" a loved one, but people who are suicidal and share their feelings with others are much less likely to go through with it. The real "burden" comes from committing suicide and leaving loved... -
FAQ: What Are the Dangers of Untreated Depression?
Question - Concerns about symptoms of depression should always be taken seriously. Depression causes significant disabilities and problems of many different kinds: -
FAQ: What Can I Say to Someone Who Seems Depressed but Won't Get Help?
Question - Here's how to approach someone who seems depressed but is in denial about it or refuses to get medical help: -
FAQ: Is It Normal to Feel Depressed as a Caregiver?
Question - It's inevitable that caregivers will have periods of time when they are unhappy. Caregiving is very demanding and should be expected to trigger a range of emotions. At times this will include good feelings, but it will also include sadness, anxiety, and the blues... -
FAQ: How Is Depression Different From Sadness?
Question - Depression is an illness, whereas sadness is an emotion. Sadness is a part of the human experience for everyone. It's usually triggered by a loss or the memory of a loss. If one takes time to experience the feeling rather than ignore it, it will usually gradually dissipate... -
FAQ: How Is Depression Different From a Bad Mood?
Question - A mood is a feeling, whereas a depression is a chronic illness. Neither feels good, and both can seem to go on and on -- a mood can persist for hours or days. But depression lasts even longer and is physically harmful. -
FAQ: How Is Depression Different From Grief?
Question - Grief is a normal emotional response to a loss. Depression, too, can be triggered by a loss (as well as other stressors), but it's a physical illness and therefore not a normal condition. Here's how they compare: -
What are the signs of depression?
Question - The most important signs of depression concern emotions. These include a persistently sad or hopeless mood and/or loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy. One or both of these signs must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of major depression to be made... -
How Can I Tell if an Elder Is Just Sad or Is Depressed?
Question - It's not always easy to tell if an elder is just sad or is depressed. Depression is not uncommon among older people, especially among those with illnesses such as dementia. But depression is not a normal part of aging, either. -
Can depression cause panic attacks?
Question - Panic attacks are are the sudden onset of severe anxiety associated with a number of physical symptoms. The most common associated symptoms are sweating, shortness of breath, heart pounding, dizziness and chest pain. They are very frightening, and, if you are experiencing panic attacks, you may end... -
FAQ: Is Depression a Normal Part of Aging?
Question - No, it's not normal to develop depression as one gets older. Depression is all too common, but it's never normal. Depression is an illness. -
FAQ: What Should I Do if I Think Someone I Know Is Suicidal?
Question - If you don't know the person well: -
depression help caregiver
Question - my mother a great lady she take care of her boyfriend who can use heleft side of his body.She get depression she take med for it.She normal just yells and she feels better.love you mom your great. -
Am I experiencing grief or depression?
Question - It's easy to confuse grief with depression. The reason for this is that a number of symptoms of bereavement -- the grief commonly experienced when someone close to you has died or is dying -- are the same as those reported by people who are clinically depressed. -
FAQ: Is Depression a Normal Part of Menopause?
Question - No, depression isn't a normal part of menopause. Depression, although all too common, is never normal. Depression is an illness. -
How do you help someone accept a change to assisted living?
Question - Adjusting to assisted living is almost always a process that takes time. As a family member or close friend, your response to questions about that process, depends on the circumstances. If your loved one has been moved to assisted living because they have dementia and they are too confused or dangerous to be living at home, the response takes finesse... -
My mom asked to be moved to assisted living, and now she is miserable. What can I do?
Question - Most of us are not prepared for the rapid deterioration that aging parents often experience when they leave their primary residence. Even if they pre-approve the move, there Is no guarantee that, once it happens, they won't have a powerful negative reaction... -
What do I say when Mom says "I want to die"?
Question - The right way to respond involves more than what to say to her. We're fortunate that we live during a time when pharmacologic advances are such that no one should have to live with severe pain. Therefore it's critical that a physician with expertise in the treatment of pain evaluate the medication she... -
Can stress cause Alzheimer's?
Question - There is no evidence to suggest that psychological trauma or other psychological difficulties cause Alzheimer's Disease or any other dementia. On the other hand, psychological difficulties, most commonly depression or anxiety, can impair memory. These memory effects are fortunately reversible with proper treatment... -
How Can I Tell the Difference Between the Normal Stress of Caregiving and Depression?
Question - To screen for depression, doctors often ask the following two key questions: -
Is it Alzheimer's or depression?
Question - You'll need to take your father to his doctor to help determine which condition he has. The two are different, although they can occur together. Depression is basically defined as a mood disorder. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is a cognitive disorder. -
Do Alzheimer's patients typically take depression medication?
Question - No, antidepressants are not routinely given to people who have Alzheimer's. This would be done only if the person were also diagnosed with depression. It's true, though, that depression rates are higher among people with Alzheimer's (estimates range from two in five people with Alzheimer's, or up to 50 percent)... -
How do I encourage my mom to continue to want to live?
Question - The final years of life often present many, many losses--not just loss due to death of a spouse, peers, and other relatives. Most seniors must also navigate loss of physical mobility or other senses such as sight, taste, and hearing. And then there are losses in the realm of mental capacity, vitality... -
Is It Normal Not to Feel Social After Someone Close to Me Has Died?
Question - You might expect that extroverts would want to be around other people while they grieve. But even the most gregarious extroverts have been known to bow out of social situations while they're mourning. This is considered a normal response to grief, especially in the initial months after a loss. -
Does Abilify cause depression?
Question - Abilify, a drug used to treat individuals with bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia, is also used to treat those suffering from depression. It does not in fact, cause depression, but rather help manage it by being used as an Add-On drug. Abilify is often prescribed to adults with depression, in addition... -
Should we change the medication my mother is taking for depression and Alzheimer's?
Question - I do not know which article did you read, but Citalopram is a medication recommended for treatment of depression in individuals with dementia. The problem may be that the dose is not sufficient. Some people develop tolerance to the effect of antidepressants and the dose has to be increased to maintain the effect... -
I'm losing myself, being a caregiver.
Question - I sympathize and empathize with you as a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s love one. You’re correct, it does extract a heavy price. Your question about how to handle the 24/7 demands of caregiving and the prospect of many more years to come is excellent and one that is frequently asked. -
How can I care for my brother, who has mental health issues, from a distance?
Question - It is difficult to provide care for a relative who lives far away. From what you have said, I suspect your brother has had mental health issues most of his life; his tendency to isolate himself socially and to look at "life from a different angle" and seclusive nature indicate that he may always have... -
My mom won't finish her radiation, and she's depressed. What can I do?
Question - From your email, it seems like you are trying valiantly to help her, and she is lucky to have your care. However, she has some major difficulties, and the first piece of advice I would give you is to not try to handle this by yourself. Is she able (strong enough) to move to a rehab facility? They may be able to help... -
Can Wellbutrin cause depression?
Question - It does not appear that there is legitimate, scientific data supporting the assertion that Wellbutrin causes depression. Searching google, there are no governmental or educational sites with this expression. Those sites that do have a reference to Wellbutrin causing depression are, for the most part, social answering sites... -
How can I get my family to stop talking about things that upset my mother in law with dementia?
Question - It sounds like you are trying to encourage visitors and you can further help by giving them a list of acceptable topics. Perhaps they do not know what to say and grope for the topics that give them the most comfort. If you compose a list of ten topics that will not sadden your mother-in-law perhaps they will no longer bring up the 'taboo' topics... -
Is Cymbalta the best antidepressant?
Question - Unfortunately, I have been struggling with depression for the last 20 years...so I have tried many of them. Cymbalta is definately the best! It does not cause weight gain and beleive it or not, does not effect your sex drive!!! The only downsides are: that it is rediculously expensive (400... -
Can Cymbalta be combined with any other antidepressants?
Question - Cymbalta is not to be combined with any medicine that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). That includes a wide list of drugs, many of them have been used to treat depression. -
Is Abilify an antidepressant?
Question - The real name for the drug marketed as Abilify is Aripiprazole. Your doctor will often prescribe it along with an antidepressant in some cases of depression, but it's not actually an antidepressant itself. Abilify is a kind of medication called atypical antipsychotics, and it works on its own against schizophrenia or bipolar disorder... -
When Am I Going to Be Able to Stop Grieving and Start Feeling Better?
Question - It depends. There are a number of factors that might contribute to how long it takes to feel better again. The most common include: -
How does Wellbutrin treat depression?
Question - Wellbutrin works by affecting two chemical produced by the brain, dopamine and norepinephrine. It is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI for short. These two chemical aid in the delivery of messages from one nerve to another. Normally, this process is seamless... -
Can a person who is bi-polar also have passive-aggressive behavior?
Question - Yes! I am bipolar. Just being bipolar does not mean someone can not have 'normal' behaviors along with it. -
How can I keep my husband, who has dementia, and teenage daughter from fighting and avoid family conflict?
Question - Let me start by saying how important it is while dealing in family conflict with a teenager, to get some immediate professional help. Ask you family doctor for a referral to a psychologist that works with families and specializes in inter-generational counseling... -
How do I deal with caregiver anger from my brother?
Question - Caregiver anger is often the last thing we have time to deal with as responsible Adult Children. As a treating psychologist for the last 37 years I have often seen how often men in our society can easily express anger, and rage long before they ever connect with their underlying sadness and grief... -
Can I help Mom get her life back together?
Question - You are truly honoring you father by stepping up and helping your parent through grief. Please give yourself permission to stop questiong yourself and making yourself feel guilty. When a parent is forced to cope with the loss of their spouse they must choose to either survive or not. The grieving process ususally takes about one year for most health people... -
FAQ: Can Depression Be Treated Without Medication?
Question - Yes, with mild and moderate depression, studies show that talk therapy alone, if done properly, is probably equivalent to the successes of antidepressants, and maybe even better. However, with severe depression, because of the risks involved, there's better success with antidepressant medication, ideally in combination with talk therapy... -
How can I help my mother become engaged with life again after her cancer treatment?
Question - First, I have to commend you for managing this for over two years. While it can't be easy, it is relatively common. Cancer patients, especially those fighting multiple types, often don't understand why they are still living -- in fact, they give up on life, trying not to fight the passage to the end of it... -
How can I keep Mom from being so isolated due to her health conditions?
Question - It sounds like your mom has done an amazing job adapting to the isolation and limitations of her medical condition. It is always best to stay as active, both mentally and physically, as one can. In her case, it sounds like she is not able to do even the most simple tasks without becoming short of breath, so she is unable to be physically active... -
FAQ: Is It Possible to Have Depression if I'm Still Able to Run My Life?
Question - It's possible for someone to function in everyday life despite having depression, because depression is an illness that has a range of severity. Those who have a relatively mild form of depression may feel unhappy, have difficulty experiencing joy, and have a number of physiologic effects, but these... -
Why might I be more agitated during the day than the night?
Question - It is hard to give you a definitive answer to this question without more information, however I can give you some things to consider. It may be the caretaking is wearing you down, and if the person you are assisting goes to sleep or has less needs after the sun goes down, it may be you are finally able to relax and feel free and energized... -
FAQ: Can Depression Be Treated With Medication Only?
Question - Yes, it's possible to treat depression with medication only, in some cases -- however, almost every study done highlights that the most effective treatment is a combination of antidepressant medication and talk therapy. -
FAQ: How Do I Find a Therapist to Treat Depression?
Question - Here's how to find a therapist to treat depression: -
Is drug therapy the way to get Mom over the grief of losing her beloved dog?
Question - Before using a medication, it might be useful to have your mother involved in activities that would distract her from her mourning. It might be especialy useful if a staff member brought his/her dog to visit with her. If these non-pharmacological interventions are not successful, Zoloft would be a good medication to try... -
How can I help Mom deal with the depression she's developed as a result of Parkinson's?
Question - Parkinson’s disease affects multiple areas of the nervous system and results in a number of symptoms other than tremor and movement problems that are frequently seen. Depression and anxiety are very common in Parkinson’s and your mom is among over 40% of Parkinson’s patients in this ... -
FAQ: How Do You Know How Serious a Case of Depression Someone Has?
Question - If the depression is causing someone to be socially withdrawn, dysfunctional to the point that he or she can't work or do basic household chores, and the person is talking or thinking about suicide, that's clearly severe. If, despite a lack of joy and in spite of having the physiological symptoms of... -
FAQ: How Is Depression Different From Burnout?
Question - Depression is a physical illness. Burnout is an emotional fatigue triggered by ongoing and severe stress. Burnout can definitely lead to depression, though, so it's important to pay attention to it. -
He won't do for himself and I just can't!
Question - I understand that your husbands adult children live out of town, however this is a FAMILY EMERGENCY that involves the Fathers safety. A family meeting is needed whether in person or on a conference call to determine who is willing to help NOW! On our website AgingParents... -
What could be causing the sudden onset of my father's anxiety and depression?
Question - This sounds incredibly frustrating. Your dad must be extremely uncomfortable and no one seems to know how to help him. The symptoms you describe, can be caused by a number of medical illnesses, but I am presuming with all the care he has had, the workups did not find any such illnesses... -
How can I help Mom with her depression?
Question - Grieving is a complex process that should be expected to include much sadness. However, when someone's sadness after losing a loved one prevents them from being able to function, and this goes on for more than a month or two, they have likely moved from grieving to a clinical depression. This happens to about 20% of people who go through grieving... -
Could Mom's anti-depressant be causing memory loss?
Question - Dear concerned family member. Memory loss can be associated with anti-depressants and other medical conditions. The symptoms you described warrant a mental health evaluation. Licensed psychologist are trained to do these types of evaluations and are far more available than physicians or psychiatrist... -
What causes memory loss other than Alzheimer's?
Question - I do not know about Lauren Bar disease, but what you probably heard was Guillain-Barré disease. This condition causes progressive muscle weakness and sometimes a complete inability to use a particular muscle or muscle group. It develops over days or up to four weeks and lasts several weeks or evenn months... -
How do I deal with grief and want to keep going?
Question - I am very sorry to hear about all you have been through. It sounds like you are now feeling terribly alone and life is overwhelmingly empty. I would suggest several things for you to do right away. The first is to be sure you are working with a good psychiatrist and be sure your mood disorder is being properly treated... -
How can I help my mother with depression if she refuses all help and isn't ready to be declared incompetent?
Question - Dear Florida/Alabama Caregiver: -
My mother has been depressed since her cancer diagnosis; how can I persuade her to see a therapist?
Question - Here's something else to think about: perhaps someone in her circle of friends has a success story of seeking professional advice -- from clergy, doctor in the family, even support hotlines. -
My dad eats lots of sweets and doesn't like to drink water--could he have diabetes?
Question - The only way to know for sure if your dad has diabetes is to get him checked for the condition. So ask his primary care doctor to perform this simple blood test. Most physicians do a fasting blood glucose test (that means going without food or calorie-containing drinks for eight hours, so it’s smarart... -
How do I help my mother cope with the side effects from being administered Adriamycin, more than five years ago?
Question - There are a number of reasons why your mother might still be experiencing this inability to stay warm several years after cancer treatment, although it may be difficult to attribute this to a specific drug. -
How do I help deal with the frustration I feel with my siblings over our mother's care?
Question - Hello, I understand your frustration regarding your mother. I am now going through a similar situation with our mother. There are six of us and one of my isters has always lived with her. My parents were divorced at the time of my fathers death. I am the one who helps her with her paperwork, or dr questions,meds etc... -
What can I do to improve confidence and blood pressure management?
Question - Andy, your doctor is the best person to consult about managing your blood pressure. But as for improving your confidence, I'd recommend starting a regular exercise program. Is there any type of physical activity you enjoy? If so, that might be a good place to start. Otherwise, you could begin by walking... -
How can I get my mother's doctors to exchange information and work as a team?
Question - I am sorry that you are so frustrated. I know that in this age of technology, it should be easy for us working in healthcare to all get a quick idea of what is going on with patients just by reading it on the computer. However, that is not always the case... -
How can I encourage my listless mom to bathe?
Question - There's always a reason behind decisions made by older people, especially when it comes to personal care. -
What do I do when my mother seems to have lost the will to live?
Question - It must be very difficult for you to watch your mother in such a sad and listless state. But it is not unusual for older folks who feel lonely and isolated to act this way. -
Since her cancer diagnosis, my mother has seemed very depressed. Does she need professional help?
Question - Living with cancer is one of the most stressful and destabilizing things that can happen to someone, and depression, mood swings, anger -- even serious mental illness -- are very common. You may feel like you know your mother well, and suddenly she's different... -
How do I get my father, who's depressed about being treated for cancer, to talk about how he's feeling?
Question - I've found that it almost never works to ask a cancer patient "Are you depressed?" It's difficult to suggest to your father that he's having trouble coping without him personalizing it (thinking, "Gosh, I'm just not trying hard enough," for example)... -
My mom, who cares for my dad with Alzheimer's, has developed a gambling problem. How can I help?
Question - What a tough situation! -
How can I get my father to stop yelling at me?
Question - Before you do anything else, it is important for you to talk to your father about his behavior, and it's effect on you. He may be elderly and unhappy, but that does not give him the right to abuse you. Unless he is suffering from some type of mental illness, there is absolutely no excuse for his behavior, and you should not tolerate it... -
How can I help my mother, who becomes agitated every evening?
Question - While some elders can get by at home with practical assistance in the morning, others need more help. Your mother's agitation may be a sign that she feels too isolated and alone in the afternoon, which is an important transition time that can affect her mood for the rest of her day. -
What can I say when my parent with cancer falls into self-pity?
Question - Most people, faced with a cancer diagnosis, are going to go through a period of thinking, "Why me?" The trick is to help your dad move past that point and not get stuck there. What I've found works best to combat self-pity is to refocus on what you can be thankful for... -
How can I get help for my ill sister, who doesn't have any family nearby?
Question - Caring.com isn't (yet) able to provide information on local eldercare resources, so we can't put you in touch with any specific organizations to help your sister. We suggest that you contact the Area Agency on Aging in your sister's community. They should be able to give you the names of local programs that could help your sister... -
Can physical activity help depression?
Question - I agree with Missy that you should take your father-in-law in for a physical exam as soon as possible. As she pointed out, he may be suffering from other, undiagnosed health problems. At the least, the physician should be able to offer suggestions for more effective treatment of his depression. -
How do I deal with my mom, who has Alzheimer's, refusing care and assistance?
Question - I think you are going to have to assert yourself more than you have been. Your mother is not capable of making good decisions at this point because her judgment is impaired. Your father can’t make decisions for her at the moment because of his own health issues. Their doctor is no he... -
How do I get my abled-bodied mom to bathe?
Question - This is a hard question. First, I would try to find out why she isn't bathing. Keep in mind that some people have never bathed that often, and don't change this habit as they get older. Try asking her why she doesn't want to bathe. If you can get a conversation going, this may shed light on what's going on... -
How do you comfort someone who is dying?
Question - Your predicament brings The Serenity Prayer to mind. Many people in powerless situations, whatever their view of religion or whether they embrace any religion at all, report that simply repeating this prayer to themselves offers some solace: -
Are there any long term care insurance companies serving Florida that will accept clients with history of depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome?
Question - I wish that I had better news for you but it is difficult for anyone who is receiving long-term disability payments to get long-term care insurance coverage. -
Could these symptoms be side effects of stroke or depression?
Question - The symptoms you are describing are not all too uncommon after a stroke. When the connections between the brain and the peripheral nerves is interrupted, there are often disturbing symptoms that follow. I compare this to the "phantom" limb pain that amputees will have... -
Can we treat my husband's depression better than all the drugs he's been given?
Question - I'm sorry to hear about this. Depression after a stroke is very common, and it certainly does not help to have other regrettable life circumstances. -
Is assisted living an option without a formal dementia diagnosis?
Question - Your mother may not be eligible for an assisted living community. They can take people with very slight cognative issues but if they have unpleasant personality changes as you suggest she may not be accepted. My suggestion would be to visit an assisted living community that has a section for dementia patients... -
Besides medication, what are some ways to treat depression?
Question - There are many ways to help treat mild depression besides prescription medications. These include: -
Am I tired or depressed?
Question - To screen for depression, doctors often ask the following two key questions: -
How Do I Know If Someone With Dementia Is Depressed?
Question - Unfortunately, you can't always know if someone who has dementia is depressed. Dementia can make depression much trickier to diagnose, since the symptoms of depression and of dementia can overlap. For example, anxiety, agitation, apathy, and/or irritability can be seen in either dementia or depression, or in both... -
How Do I Know Which Is the Best Antidepressant?
Question - There's no single "best" antidepressant. The doctor prescribes what seems like the most appropriate antidepressant for a specific situation, set of symptoms, and health history. -
Can you treat depression without medication?
Question - Yes, it's possible to treat depression without medication. Intensive talk-based therapy (psychotherapy or counseling) alone can help some individuals. Many professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other counselors, provide this kind of therapy... -
Should we continue trying to help my mother or give up?
Question - I hear your cry for help and feel the kindness of you and your brother. -
My mother is depressed and says she wishes to die. What can I do?
Question - Unfortunately I am not allowed to go with her to the DR Im barely allowed to see her ,(THE guardian ) Shes about a hour and 10 minuate drive away. -
Grandma begged us to move in. Our family thinks we're taking advantage of her. What can we do?
Question - Even though your Grandma begged you to move in and your family thinks you and your significant other are taking advantage of her, you did what you could. -
Leaving behind someone struggling overwhelms me. How do I find some sort of comfort?
Question - Your question shows a lot of deep emotion. I am not a counselor but I would suggest that you get help from a caring professional. Since you mention your doctor and the help he gave you in changing your medication, why not speak to him about recommending a counselor or a doctor who specializes in depression and its effects... -
What can I do for my 84 year old father who refuses treatment for either depression or bipolar illness?
Question - Have you contacted your nearest NAMI group? They may have helpful suggestions. NAMI has been helpful in my family coping with a bipolar parent who is 85. -
Is it common for patients with Parkinson's disease to develop psychological problems?
Question - In my experience, it is often common for people with Parkinson's Disease to develop psychiatric symptoms, especially as the disease progresses. The most common problem tends to be depression, as both the disease itself and the loss of function can lead to this. Fortunately, antidepressants often help with this and are easily tolerated... -
Is Wellbutrin and Zoloft a good combination?
Question - Yes, Wellbutrin and Zoloft are a good combination often prescribed by doctors together. The reason is they both work on producing different chemicals in your brain. Wellbutrin helps increase norepinephrine and dopamine. Zoloft helps create more serotonin in your brain... -
Does Wellbutrin affect your appetite?
Question - Wellbutrin is a drug that is used to treat depression and ADHD. It has many side effects and is does indeed affect one's appetite. It causes weight gain and in some instances the weight gain can be significant. It also causes one to be lethargic. -
What is the half life of Wellbutrin?
Question - The half life of Wellbutrin is 21 hours and steady-state plasma concentrations are reached within 8 days. It can take between five and eight days for the medication to clear out of the system.
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