Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services | Gibson gets it! | Fall/Winter 2017

Gibson gets it! 9 Movies like Grumpy Old Men stereotype older adults as grumpy, but did you know that irritability can be a symptom of depression? Other symptoms include fatigue, frequent tearfulness, changes in weight (due to poor or increased appetite), difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, memory problems, isolation, loss of interest in activities, and thoughts of death and suicide. Sadly, many of the symptoms of depression are linked to the stereotype given to older adults. Vicki Angstmann , MA, LPC, therapist with Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services (GAHHS) Geriatric Behavioral Services, hosts the Silver Series program each month to educate seniors and help bust the myths and stereotypes about aging. “Depression is not a normal part of aging,” says Angstmann. “It is a serious medical condition that is highly treatable. Older adults are at risk for depression and anxiety, especially considering all the significant life changes and loss experienced in later years, such as loss of a spouse or loss of mobility or health.” Treatment for depression can include counseling and medication, Angstmann says. GAHHS Geriatric Behavioral Services can perform a free determination of treatment (DOT) to assess older adults for depression, anxiety, grief and other behavioral health conditions. Call 888-981-9456 to schedule a DOT for yourself or a loved one. GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL SERVICES Freedom from depression When Sandy Rudin found herself no longer interested in doing the many things she loved—reading, gardening, attending church, traveling and volunteering in the community—she knew something wasn’t right. She felt like she wasn’t connecting, and her lack of focus was obvious to her. “At my worst, I could not pick out my clothes,” she says. “I couldn’t believe I could hardly do that.” With the help of her primary care provider, the once active 68-year-old soon made her way into an intensive therapy program with Geriatric Behavioral Services at the Gibson Area Hospital Behavioral Wellness Center. Initially reluctant to begin the treatment for her diagnosis of depression and anxiety, Rudin soon realized she needed it. “The longer I was in the program, the more I could see things changing and turning around,” she says. Rudin began to feel comfortable in the program, and even the driver of the medivan who brought her to therapy sessions helped put her at ease. Now, thanks to the care and encouragement she received, Rudin can identify and deal with the triggers to control her depression. “Vicki (Angstmann) was wonderful,” Rudin says. “She would tell me, ‘You’re going to get through this. It’s going to get better.’ And it did.” Rudin feels fortunate to have had her relationship with God and the support of her friends, family and church throughout her therapy. By being open about her illness and treatment, Rudin allowed others to pray for her too. Acknowledging the need for help is not easy, but Rudin is now a strong advocate for the care that has renewed her life. “If someone needs help, they should not be ashamed or afraid,” she says. “If I didn’t get help, I don’t know where I’d be today.” Myth 3 Old hounds can’t learn new tricks. Though some parts of the brain shrink with age, that doesn’t automatically mean overall brain power diminishes. Research has shown that, if given enough time, folks in their 70s and 80s score as well on cognitive tests as younger people. In fact, in areas of verbal knowledge such as vocabulary, elders often outperform the pups. One possible reason: To compensate for areas that shrink, the brain may activate other networks. Boost brain power as you age Try something new every day. Switch hands to brush your teeth, follow a different route to the store, or solve word or math puzzles. Tackle unexplored territory. Pick a country whose language or cuisine you admire, and take cooking or language lessons (or both!). Have you always secretly wanted to play a musical instrument? Sign up for lessons. Tie in to social connections. Volunteer in your community, start a book club or travel with a group. Additional sources: HelpGuide.org; Mental Health America; National Institute on Aging Answer: They are born in different places, in different time zones. Did you know?