B.U. student discusses depression at Norwich Senior Center
Heather Zyla visited Chenango County Area on Aging Senior Center on Thursday to discuss signs and symptoms of depression in seniors and what they can do to keep themselves healthy. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)
NORWICH – On Thursday, Chenango County Area Agency on Aging hosted guest speaker, Heather Zyla, to talk about mental health awareness and hold a discussion on depression in the elderly.
Zyla is a second year doctoral student in the clinical psychology department of Binghamton University. She was invited to speak at the Chenango County Area on Aging Senior Center after concerned staff members noticed a number of seniors appeared sad, stated the senior centers Nutritional Services Coordinator Jackie Lisk.
“We're hoping this will give them some insight and resources, as well as give our staff insight and resources,” said Lisk.
Zyla covered the symptoms of depression in elderly, risk factors that exacerbate depression, different forms of treatment, and resources for seniors experiencing depression symptoms in a one hour seminar.
According to Zyla, psychological symptoms for elderly with depression include irritability, grouchiness, snapping at people, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt and remorse, and thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. Physical symptoms include headache, stomach pain, cramps, and joint pain.
She explained medical doctors don't always identify these symptoms as depression.
“This is the number one thing that doctors misdiagnose as a neurological disorder. They might think its early-onset Alzheimer’s or dementia when in fact it can be indicative of depression,” said Zyla.
She then talks about how outside factors such as the time of year, the weather, and even the holiday season can intensify feelings of depression.
“The holidays can be an overwhelming and stressful time of year. Some people tend to get more isolated. They don't want to go out and participate in activities like they used to and all of that kind of cycles down into more depressive and negative thoughts.” she explained.
Zyla continued by discussing things seniors can do to prevent or alleviate symptoms of depression. Options available include medication such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and vitamin supplements. Talk therapy in one-on-one or group settings and meditation are also highly encouraged by Zyla.
“There are tons of treatments available to individuals that if you find yourself falling into a negative cycle of thoughts, behaviors, or emotions, there are things you can do to kind of stop them and alleviate it so it gets better,” said Zyla.
If seniors are experiencing depression and loneliness they can contact the Friendship Line, run by the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center. According to the Del Mar website The Friendship Line is a 24-hour hotline number for the older adults who may be lonely, isolated, grieving, depressed, anxious and/or thinking about death or suicide. The Friendship Line number is 800-971-0016.
The Chenango County Area on Aging Senior Center is located at Norwich YMCA and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program Aid Heather Everly states that they are always in need of volunteers, especially to deliver meals to seniors. If you're interested in volunteering, contact the senior center at 337-1770.
Zyla is a second year doctoral student in the clinical psychology department of Binghamton University. She was invited to speak at the Chenango County Area on Aging Senior Center after concerned staff members noticed a number of seniors appeared sad, stated the senior centers Nutritional Services Coordinator Jackie Lisk.
“We're hoping this will give them some insight and resources, as well as give our staff insight and resources,” said Lisk.
Zyla covered the symptoms of depression in elderly, risk factors that exacerbate depression, different forms of treatment, and resources for seniors experiencing depression symptoms in a one hour seminar.
According to Zyla, psychological symptoms for elderly with depression include irritability, grouchiness, snapping at people, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt and remorse, and thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. Physical symptoms include headache, stomach pain, cramps, and joint pain.
She explained medical doctors don't always identify these symptoms as depression.
“This is the number one thing that doctors misdiagnose as a neurological disorder. They might think its early-onset Alzheimer’s or dementia when in fact it can be indicative of depression,” said Zyla.
She then talks about how outside factors such as the time of year, the weather, and even the holiday season can intensify feelings of depression.
“The holidays can be an overwhelming and stressful time of year. Some people tend to get more isolated. They don't want to go out and participate in activities like they used to and all of that kind of cycles down into more depressive and negative thoughts.” she explained.
Zyla continued by discussing things seniors can do to prevent or alleviate symptoms of depression. Options available include medication such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and vitamin supplements. Talk therapy in one-on-one or group settings and meditation are also highly encouraged by Zyla.
“There are tons of treatments available to individuals that if you find yourself falling into a negative cycle of thoughts, behaviors, or emotions, there are things you can do to kind of stop them and alleviate it so it gets better,” said Zyla.
If seniors are experiencing depression and loneliness they can contact the Friendship Line, run by the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center. According to the Del Mar website The Friendship Line is a 24-hour hotline number for the older adults who may be lonely, isolated, grieving, depressed, anxious and/or thinking about death or suicide. The Friendship Line number is 800-971-0016.
The Chenango County Area on Aging Senior Center is located at Norwich YMCA and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program Aid Heather Everly states that they are always in need of volunteers, especially to deliver meals to seniors. If you're interested in volunteering, contact the senior center at 337-1770.
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