Extreme levels of depression, anxiety, or stress might lead to a nervous breakdown if not controlled among older adults. A nervous breakdown is a medical term where a person experience emotional turmoil and unable to handle simple, everyday tasks. According to doctors, the person who has a nervous breakdown should seek professional assistance. Here are the top 7 signs of a nervous breakdown in seniors you should know about.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Seniors who are retired or live alone at home can become prone to depression or experience symptoms of anxiety. Humans need emotional support regardless of their age, the reason family caregivers should look after their senior loved one and make sure they don’t feel alone. Some family caregivers show signs of depression and stress in the golden years because they might lose their friends, spouses, or shifted to a different society. If family caregivers are unable to provide tailored care to their senior loved one, reach out to a Fremont home care provider to hire part-time caregivers.
Sleeping Too Much
Unusual sleeping patterns can be seen among several older adults who are at risk of a meltdown. Some aging adults are unable to sleep at night or wake up in the middle of the night. If your senior loved one experience problems related to sleeping, he or she needs help from an expert doctor. Therapy might also help seniors if they are having serious issues sleeping every night. Thinking too much about the future or personal health can be the reason seniors are sleeping too much.
Fatigue
Even if your loved one does not work anymore, he or she might feel tired all the time, low on energy, refuse to go out or take a shower, or experience extreme levels of fatigue. Seniors who were able to accomplish simple tasks before might need a helping hand every time whether they are preparing meals, washing dishes, or taking a bath. These can be the initial signs of fatigue among seniors family caregivers may notice and should not be overlooked. Make sure your senior loved one is taken care of if he or she withdrawing from social gatherings.
Diet Changes
The changes in appetite can go both ways. Seniors may stop eating nutritious meals or start eating more than necessary every day. These diet changes may be a potential sign of a nervous breakdown. Stress hormones might trigger massive changes in the body which can be the reason seniors are eating too much or too little. When seniors are on the verge of cognitive decline or nervous breakdown, they can experience major diet changes. It is better to consult a nutritionist if seniors are not eating nutritious meals or don’t eat for days.
Seniors who are unable to take care of themselves or need emotional support every day to combat depression can consider professional home care. Fremont family caregivers can get a break from their caregiving responsibilities by hiring an in-home caregiver.
