Food for Thought – Anxiety & Depression

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year, regardless of age, race, or gender. While depression is not a normal part of the aging process, there is a strong likelihood of it occurring when other physical health conditions are present. For example, nearly a quarter of the 600,000 people who experience a stroke in a given year will experience clinical depression.[1] Unfortunately, symptoms of depression are often overlooked and untreated when they coincide with other medical illnesses or life events that commonly occur as people age (e.g., loss of loved ones). However, clinical depression is never a “normal” response; it is a serious medical illness that should be treated at any age. [2]

It is important to know the factors causing anxiety and depression such as pain management, isolation, or self-medicating. Even more important to know is what to do when we see a loved one afflicted by anxiety and depression.

Robin Saiz, Account Executive, of Angels Care Home Health will discuss factors that contribute to anxiety and depression. She will also provide us with information to identify and resources to help those suffering from anxiety and depression.

[1]National Institute of Mental Health: “Co-occurrence of Depression With Stroke Fact Sheet.” Accessed Sept. 1999. Netscape: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/depression/co_occr/stroke.htm.

[2] Mental Health America https://www.mhanational.org/depression-older-adults-more-facts