Lift Your Spirits

by James T. Aceron

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein

Do you have persistent problems sleeping or a change in appetite? Do you feel continually sad, isolated, hopeless about the future or have difficulty concentrating, perhaps losing interest in ordinary activities or with family and friends? Do you have recurring aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment or find yourself crying excessively for no reason? If so, you might be suffering from depression.

Clinical depression is one of the most common psychological ailments, affecting 19 million Americans each year and three out of five seniors over age 65. Nonetheless, depression is not nor should be a normal part of life, especially during retirement.

Although age alone is not a risk factor for depression, there are age-related factors that may trigger its onset. These factors include long-term illness, feeling isolated, the death of a loved one, lateage divorce, money problems, and stress. In fact, according to the Holmes-Rahe Social Re-Adjustment Scale for Adults, which measures the most stressful to the least stressful life events, retirement is listed as the tenth most stressful event.

The only way to know for sure if you are suffering from depression is to seek professional advice from a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist. To learn more about depression, contact the National Mental Health Association at (800) 969-6642 or visit their website at www.nmha.org. If you need immediate support, call (800) 273- TALK (8255) or TTY: (800) 799-4TTY (4889).

Treatment for depression is almost always successful, so don’t be afraid to seek help. It’s a sign of strength and courage, and a reminder to ourselves that we are important and have value.