Baby Boomers and Depression
If you feel sad and depressed from time to time and blame on you age, you might want to think twice. Depression is not a natural part of aging process. It's medical illness that demands professional attention.
The best way for you to determine if you are suffering from a depressive disorder or just having temporary bad moods is to ask yourself a couple of questions.
- Do you feel guilty or worthless?
- Do you feel tired and slowed down?
- Are you nervous or feel empty?
- Do you think you are not enjoying things you used to enjoy including sex?
- Do you feel restless?
- Are you sleeping more or less that usual?
- Do you eat more or less that usual?
- Do you feel any chronic pain, such as persistent headaches or stomach aches?
- Do you feel that no one loves you and life is not worth living?
If you answered positively to most of these question, you might be suffering from depression. Baby boomers can sometimes be more prone to depression, not because of the aging, but because of the other factor such as other illnesses, social or economic factors, etc. This doesn't mean and should not be mistaken that because of other illnesses or socioeconomic factors baby boomers depression is a natural phenomenon. Depression is a separate illness and should be treated as soon as possible.
Usually because of the common misconception that baby boomers depression and depression in older adults is quite normal, it is often under-treated. If you feel like you are depressed, make sure to tell your doctor about it on your next visit.
You might also be interested in education yourself on how you can prevent depression by reading this article: Ways to prevent depression.