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Diagnosed With Elderly Depression! Now What?

If you have been diagnosed with elderly depression, you may find that this was a bit of a shock to you. Because of the social stigma that is still attached to those suffering from depression itself, there is probably not a lot of information available in your circle of friends, and you may feel quite isolated. As a matter of fact, isolation is not only a contributing factor to elderly depression, but it is also a symptom as well as a danger factor.

Most likely you are wondering about what to do now that you have been diagnosed, and you are not alone. Did you know that there are a plethora of activities open to those who have been diagnosed with elderly depression, and that these activities are either geared toward senior citizens or those suffering from depression?

? Find a creative outlet. Whatever form of art you love the most – visual or auditory – is most likely available in class format. Why not join an art class, a photography club, a reading club, a nature club, or a music appreciation group? Engaging your creative mind is a surefire way of beating the blues that are currently holding you down.
? Loneliness at home can sometimes be relieved by adding a pet to the household. Make sure you first consult your doctor to ensure that you choose an animal that suits your temperament and also health, but by and large there are many companion animals that will do very well with the elderly, and there are even some dog breeds that are known to be somewhat more sedate in their lifestyle and thus make perfect companions for an aged person. If all else fails – and if there are no allergies present – a cat can be the perfect pet since in many ways it is a very self sufficient animal.
? Gardening is of course a wonderful way of helping a person to no longer focus on age, dying, sickness and disease and instead refocus on life, growth, health, vitality, and also beauty. If you live in an apartment, you may consider a container garden on a table by the window, or if you have a balcony simply an outdoor container patch.
? Sometimes you may find that getting together with a group of other seniors to solve word puzzles, crosswords, play chess, or just play cards is an enjoyable activity that not only helps you to overcome the panic that may have gripped you when diagnosed, but also a way to keep your mind focused and sharp.

As you can see, even if you are diagnosed with elderly depression, life as you know it is far from being over! Instead, you are looking at a whole new world of possibilities opening up as you investigate the various choices open to you for branching out and actively pursuing a social life that in the past you may have denied yourself. Keep in mind that many of the people you interact with most likely will be sitting in the same boat and thus you are more or less “judgment proof” and can truly be yourself without fear of reprisal.