Depression can be related to a situation you have experienced, like a job loss, death of a loved on, relationship issues, or simply the stress of trying to balance, work, home and family, and for those over 40 we tend to be at a point in our lives where there is a lot going on. Depression can also be a medical condition that seems to run in your family. Levels of depression can vary greatly. Some people may find themselves slowing down, constantly tired while another may be anxious, agitated and can’t sleep much at all. From moments of sadness and feelings of helplessness to severe mood swings and complete withdrawal these are all very real issues. For those who are dealing with a mild depression there are steps that can be taken to help heal the body, mind and spirit including participating in a daily exercise routine. We typically associate being depressed with episodes of intense sadness that feel somewhat overpowering.
Other signs of depression may be a change in sleep patterns where you are sleeping more or not enough. You may find yourself eating mindlessly or are experiencing a loss in appetite. You feel that you can’t focus well, and have lost interest, motivation and energy to perform your work, chores or be around family and friends. Perhaps impatient and irritable with a sense of helplessness may exist. Physical signs may include body, back and headaches. Many women over 40 may pass of the symptoms of as changes with hormones and menopause, which could be a contributor for sure but the symptoms should not be ignored. It is wise to consult a doctor when you are experiencing these problems and to aid the process in mild cases of depression the person needs to make some choices and deliberate changes in how they approach their lives. To do this, they need to eat well, limiting heavy starchy foods and carbohydrates. They should find a way to get some daily exercise going and force themselves to engage in the activity without fail. Make sure they are getting adequate rest and clearing their minds of negative thoughts and being more positive with their thinking. This change in the mindset is very hard, and it will be something the person will have to work hard at for a long time before the strength of the positive person inside comes out regularly as a habit.
Don’t let someone suffer in a cycle of sadness, be a supportive family member or friend or if this is you ask someone to help you work toward changing the pattern of negative thinking. Certain months of the year it becomes even harder with the cold temperatures and grey skies. Soon the spring will follow and bright skies and green grass and flowers will help our moods. Seeing a doctor is always a good idea when you are concerned with your health and your mental health should be no exception. They will likely agree that good eating habits, a more regular sleep patter and of course, and exercise routine which can all be very effective to help combat the sadness that may be filling our lives. The fitness of your mind is very important!
26 MarFitness, Diet and Rest For Over 40 And 50 to Combat Depression
26 DecNursing Home Abuse – What You Must Know
The elderly are in a vulnerable position, especially if they are living in a nursing home. They rely upon others to help them with daily activities and many require medical care that is vital to their survival. Care workers are screened before they work in a nursing home, but even the most precise screening cannot always detect someone who may be abusive towards residents. That is why keeping an eye out is the best way to stop nursing home abuse.
Types of Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. It can be abuse that is easily detected in the physical, it may be emotional or it can be financial. Some types of abuse may not be completely noticeable, but when you are properly informed about abuse you should be able to notice the signs of any type of abuse.
Physical abuse is the easiest type of abuse to recognize. It is apparent in physical signs like bruises or other injuries that are unexplained or abnormal for the resident. Physical abuse may also include the inappropriate use of drugs, which could present itself as odd behavior or more frequent and unusual complaints about pain.
Emotional abuse may be more difficult to recognize immediately. However, it is easily caught when workers are carefully monitored. Emotional abuse can include yelling at residents or talking to them in a disrespectful nature. It can also include ignoring the resident or keeping them from interacting with others.
Sexual abuse of elderly persons may also occur. It is any sexual contact with a person without their consent. It can also include showing pornographic materials to elders without their consent or making them watch sexual acts.
Neglectful behavior also constitutes abuse. Neglect involves not caring for the resident in the proper way. It can include things like not bathing the resident properly or not feeding them properly. In general, neglect is when the resident is not receiving the proper level of care and their needs are not being met.
A common form of nursing home abuse is financial exploitation. In many nursing homes residents personal property is stolen or their finances mishandled. Stealing anything from a resident is considered a form of abuse.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
Any suspicion of abuse should be reported right away. If you are the relative of a resident and suspect abuse you should immediately contact the nursing home management and demand to speak to someone about your suspicions. If the nursing home management does not seem to want to handle the situation then you should get your relative out of the nursing home and report the home to the proper authorities.
Never let nursing home abuse go unhandled. At the first signs of any type of abuse steps must be taken. The elderly cannot always care for themselves or keep themselves safe. They may have physical or mental problems that prevent them from defending themselves. It is up to those of us in a caregiving position to ensure that they are properly cared for and not subjected to abuse.
Rex Bush handles personal injury cases in Utah. For info on injury issues visit his website: Personal Injury in Utah. Should you hire an injury lawyer? Visit this page: Utah Injury Lawyer.