Tap It Out

Do you experience feelings of hopelessness? Have you lost pleasure in activities you once enjoyed? Do you cry more frequently? Have you gained or lost weight? If you have experienced a combination of these symptoms, which have persisted for two weeks or more you may be suffering from depression.One in five Americans live with a mental health conditionor 43.7 million people. 6.9% of adults16 million peoplehave experienced a major depressive episode in the last year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, the 3rd leading cause of death for those aged 1024, and the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 (statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness).For the elderly, depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million adults over the age of 65. The senior population accounts for 20% of all suicides, the highest success rate belongs to senior men. Depression is the leading factor to seniors attempting suicide. Those statistics are staggering and chances are either you or someone you know suffers from depression or another mental health condition.October 10th is Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for mental illness, providing educational resources, as well as reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. Take some time to recognize the warning signs of depression as well as the signs of suicide.Warning Signs of Depression:Persistent sadnessLoss of interestFatigueInsomnia or excessive sleepingFeelings of hopelessness or worthlessnessDecrease in energyDifficulty concentratingIncrease or decrease in appetiteThoughts of death, dying or suicideSlowed thinking, speaking or body movementsIf your or your loved one exhibits these warning signs of depression, seek medical and professional help. Depression is not a normal sign of aging and there are treatment options available.In addition to the warning signs of depression, it is important to pay attention for the following behaviors (suicide warning signs from SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).Warning Signs of Suicide:Talk about suicide, e.g. I have nothing left to live for. I wont be a burden on my family much longer. I should just kill myself. Statements of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.Preoccupation with death.Suddenly happier, calmer.Loss of interest in things one cares about.Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about saying goodbyes.Making arrangements; setting ones affairs in order.Giving things away.Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.Refusal to follow doctor-prescribed medications and/or special diet.If you suspect your loved one is considering suicide the most important thing you can do is to talk with them. Here are a few steps you can take if you are concerned for your loved one.1. Ask Questions. Talking about suicide may seem counter-intuitive. Many people are afraid to ask a loved one whether or not they are thinking about suicide. However, talking with your loved one is the most important thing you can do to assess their thoughts and where they stand. Here are four important questions to help evaluate your loved ones suicide risk:Do you ever think about suicide?If you were to hurt yourself, how would you do it? (The plan/method).Have you thought about when you would do it? (The timeline).Do you have access to what you would use? (Access to method).2. Provide Reassurance. If your loved one is actively considering suicide they need to feel heard and understood. Dont shame them for their thoughts and feelings. Instead, reassure them that there is help and treatment options available.4. Remove Suicide Method. Remove any apparent methods for committing suicide, such as weapons or stockpiled pills.3. Seek Treatment. Help your loved one seek medical and mental health treatment. Immediately, assist your loved one in setting up appointments for a medical evaluation and help your loved one get to the appointment.There is hope, depression can be treated and suicide can be prevented. Know the warning signs and seek treatment options.

Being a caregiver is a role that millions undertake out of love, dedication and necessity. Whether its an unpaid family caregiver or someone who has chosen a caregiving career, the role is critical to those who need help. Understanding some of the challenges caregivers face helps to appreciate their work. Emotional Weight - Caregivers often carry emotional burdens. They may experience feeling guilt, when they theyre not doing enough or when they take time for themselves. As a loved onesor a clientshealth fluctuates, the resulting emotional swings can cause stress and anxiety. Physical Toll - Physical demands of caregiving are often underestimated. Caregivers may do things like household tasks or keeping the care recipient comfortable. But if the care recipient has mobility issues, the caregiver may need to help them transfer from their bed to the toilet. Over time, these responsibilities can lead to physical strain and exhaustion. Financial Strain - Often caregivers provide care without pay, they will incur expenses related to the care of their loved ones - compounded if the caregiver has to reduce hours or even quit their job to provide care. Social Isolation - The time and energy demand often limit the caregivers ability to maintain social relationships, making them feel lonely and disconnected. Juggling Act - Many caregivers must balance the needs of the person theyre caring for, needs of the family while juggling employment. Recognition and Support - Caregiving is often not seen as real work, caregivers may struggle to find adequate resources, support and respite care. Right at Home of Mesa, Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties is here to help! Our trained caregivers can help with a range of services, from meal preparation and light housekeeping to assistance with hygiene and mobility.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by David McKendry, President of Right at Home Grand Junction. He may be reached at 970-697-1331 or by email at David@gjhomecare.com. See ad on page

Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. Its not uncommon for family caregivers to initially feel that their capacity for helping those they love is nearly limitless. From taking care of finances and managing medications to preparing meals and cleaning, theres certainly a sense of fulfillment that comes along with assisting a loved one. But many find themselves going through the motions of caring without taking time out to focus on their own needs often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. As a result, family caregivers may feel something theyve never experienced before: decreased empathy. This condition is known as compassion fatigue. In decades past, compassion fatigue was seen primarily in healthcare professionals but as the countrys aging population continues to grow, there are many family caregivers who are left feeling much the same way.  In addition to the lower threshold of empathy, family caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue may feel the following:          Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional)          Feelings of dread or guilt          Irritability, anxiety, or anger          Difficulty sleeping          Difficulty making decisions          Feeling disconnected          Trouble finding meaning in caregiving          Self-isolation The worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial because it prohibits family caregivers from examining the feelings associated with their caregiving situation. And if ignored for an extended period of time, family caregivers may begin to feel resentment toward their loved one, ultimately leading to a communication breakdown and strained relationship. Below are a few steps that family caregivers can take to combat compassion fatigue and get back to feeling positive about caring for their loved ones.         Understand the common signs of compassion fatigue          Practice a self-care of balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep.         Find time to spend with friends and maintain social connections.         Find a caregiver support program, community or online.          Document your thoughts and feelings in a journal.         Choose healthy activities during your downtime, a hobby, walking, meditating.         Engage a counselor or therapist. Learn more about respite care and senior care services by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office today.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction. For more information she may be reached at 970-241-8818 or at:  oralee@ckcolorado.com