Harsha Behavioral Center

Holidays are a time for excitement and celebration!  But for many, especially the elderly, it can be a source of loneliness, stress and sadness.  In today's Healthy Living, we travel to Harsha Behavioral Center to discuss how the holidays may not be so happy for everyone.

Cindy Dowers of Harsha Behavioral Center explains.  “Depression in the elderly is very common around the holidays.  Some common symptoms of depression in the elderly could be persistent sadness - being tearful at times.  Withdrawal or isolation from family and friends.  Weight changes...appetite changes.  You might see the weight go up or down.  Changes in sleeping habits - sleeping too much or too less. 

“Some of the first steps for caring the elderly person that is depressed would be seeing a medical professional...a family doctor, a general psychiatrist or geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in the elderly.  They will be doing a depression screening.  A complete physical, because sometimes depression can be associated with medical conditions. 

“Some of the things you can do to help them as a family member is talk to them.  A lot of people, depression can be taboo, so they don't want to talk about it.  Spend more time with them.   If you feel like you have a loved one who needs help, see a medical professional.  See your family doctor.  They'll put you in touch with a psychiatrist or geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in depression in the elderly.

“Here at Harsha Behavioral Center, we specialize in the treatment of depression in the elderly.  For more information on our facility, you can call us at 812-298-8888 or you can check out our website at HarshaCenter.com.”