If you are caring for a loved one who has Parkinson’s disease, you know how tough it is to watch many of their physical capabilities either diminish or leave completely. You probably know when your loved one needs help walking across a room or how to help them get dressed in the morning, but one thing that many people overlook is the damage that is done to a person’s emotional and mental state when they are battling a disease like Parkinson’s that is progressive and incurable. A provider trained in skilled nursing care services can be a great benefit if your loved one is struggling.
Six Reasons Parkinson’s Patients May Become Depressed
Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease will also battle depression, but according to studies, almost half of them will, and that’s a lot. Depression isn’t often talked about openly, especially among the older generations, and because caregivers are focusing so much on supporting their loved one with their physical challenges, the symptoms of it can be easily overlooked as well.
But why is depression so common among those with Parkinson’s disease? Six common factors often combine, making depression and anxiety even more likely.
Constant Stress. Living with a chronic, progressive disease means being under stress around the clock with all of the unknowns about what the future will bring, as well as the daily battles to simply get things done.
Negative Thoughts. Watching your own body betray you can bring about many negative thoughts, feelings of being unworthy, and feeling like a burden to others.
Loss of Social Connections. Many Parkinson’s patients see their social worlds begin to shrink as they are no longer able to do many of the activities that connected them with people and the world. They might start to have fewer visitors as friends and family become unsure how to interact with them.
Changes in the Brain. Parkinson’s disease can affect the area of the brain responsible for regulating emotions and feelings. It can lower the brain’s ability to generate dopamine and serotonin, which help boost mood.
A family or personal history of depression. Parkinson’s disease, combined with a family history, can increase the likelihood of your loved one feeling depressed.
Medication reactions. Your loved one may find that the medications he needs to take to help him combat the physical side effects of Parkinson’s disease can lead to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Depression Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients
Depression can present in many forms and symptoms. Here are some things to watch for if you’re worried about your loved one.
- Loss of interest in activities
- Talking a lot about death and dying
- Change in appetite
- Displaying signs of sadness (excessive crying) or talking about how sad they are.
- Withdrawal from those they love
- Not caring about how they look
- Sleep problems (either too much or too little)
Getting Help for Depression
Your loved one will need professional help if depression is present. Once you find professional help, he might also need assistance at home with managing his daily living activities to remove some burdens. There are many ways skilled nursing care agencies can support you and your loved one. Skilled nursing care can provide both the physical help your loved one needs as well as the human connection your loved one desires.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring professional Skilled Nursing Care Services in Warren, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Healthcare today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
