Long-Term Care

RECOGNIZING DEPRESSION

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, January 4, 2006

CNAs may not recognize when residents are depressed because the signs are often only slightly more extreme feelings and behaviors that everyone experiences at times. CNAs should watch for symptoms, however, so that they can help residents seek diagnoses of depression and receive proper medical treatment, if needed. The following list outlines 10 signals of depression:

1. A sad, anxious, or apathetic mood that persists for longer than two to three weeks

2. Loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities

3. Fatigue, loss of energy, or slowed physical movements

4. Difficulty in concentrating, remembering recent events, and making decisions

5. Sleeping too much or too little, with early morning awakenings

6. Irritability or excessive crying

7. Eating changes such as eating too much or too little, with weight gain or loss

8. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

9. Aches and pains that do not respond to treatment

10. Recurring thoughts of death and perhaps suicide

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