OVER FIFTY AND DEPRESSED?

One of the little known facts about depression as we age is that often medication that cures one symptom either increases depression or interacts with other medications to cause depression. Too few people, both professionals and lay individuals know this. I know of one undocumented experiment where a holistic MD started his stint in a residential treatment center for aged and infirm by taking everyone off all but their most essential medications. Verbal report is that patient’s moods got better and that in general they were more active. Unfortunately, the MD was fired before his results could be carefully studied, documented and repeated.

So if you are on multiple meds to lower everything from blood pressure to cholesterol, be ware and take care. You or your family member may be suffering from the side effects of otherwise helpful medications. Take charge and talk to your doctor, read labels and don’t go along with a suggested program without knowing how drugs interact. Also, remember that exercise and diet can often eliminate the need for medication. Take responsibility for your own health. And if you are a couch potato, flip that TV switch to “off” and move. Stop watching reality TV and pay attention to your own reality instead. It may save your life.