Menopause introduces major changes into a woman's life. Decreasing hormone levels and life stresses such as caring for elderly parents or seeing their children leaving home raise the risk of depression in menopausal women. Further complicating the situation, symptoms of menopause--sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating--mimic those of depression. Depression is a serious condition but it is treatable. It is important for you to recognize these symptoms and help your loved one through this difficult part of her life.
Instructions
Take Care of Your Loved One
1. Understand what your loved one is going through. Educate yourself about depression.
2. Encourage her to see her physician. A physical exam will rule out other conditions besides menopause that may be causing depression.
3. Support her. Make sure your loved one knows she can depend on you during this difficult time in her life. Be consistent with your support and be patient.
4. Learn about her treatment and help her follow her treatment plan. Help your loved one take her medication as prescribed. Regular doses are important in the treatment of depression and skipping doses can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Suggest a qualified therapist. Depression responds best to combination treatment of medication combined with therapy. Be sure to find a licensed therapist. Ask your doctor for referrals.
6. Believe her. Take all references to suicide seriously. Never accuse her of "faking" her symptoms and don't minimize what she is going through.
7. Invite her to join you in activities and exercise. Physical activity will make her feel better, but never force her do to something if she is not ready.
Take Care of Yourself
8. Take a break. Caregiving is stressful. Remember to take time to recharge yourself.
9. Ask for help. You may find yourself taking on all household responsibilities in addition to caring for your loved one, and you can easily become overwhelmed. Call friends and family members to lend a hand.
10. Consider therapy for yourself. You are working through your own set of problems. Talking to someone can help you handle your own feelings of resentment, anger or stress.
Tags: your loved, going through, Take Care, this difficult, your loved