Geriatric Depression Screening

What is the Depression Screening Program?

Depression constitutes a major health concern for the elderly. For this reason, Senior Services of Snohomish County has developed a unique screening program to provide outreach and early intervention to vulnerable seniors who may suffer from depression. We provide services countywide to residents 60 or older who live in non-institutional settings.

The Senior Information and Assistance/Depression Screening Program has four major objectives:

• to provide community education on identifying & preventing depression;
• to offer timely intervention for isolated elders who suffer from depression;
• to conduct assessments using the Geriatric Depression Scale;
• to help seniors advocate with their doctors for appropriate treatment for depression, and access other supports within their community.

A major part of the Depression Program involves education and outreach to senior groups. Below are some of the tips we share with seniors at our presentations to help maintain a positive lifestyle.

Two Weeks of Good Mood Ideas

• Day 1 - Take a walk outdoors and tune into nature.
• Day 2 - Complete one small task you have been putting off.
• Day 3 - Phone, visit or write a loved one.
• Day 4 - Do one small thing that is new & unusual for you.
• Day 5 - Bring humor into your life - read the comics or watch a comedy.
• Day 6 - Do one small thing for someone else.
• Day 7 - Listen to music - try a new radio station, sing, hum or whistle a tune!
• Day 8 - Look for a positive side to a troublesome experience.
• Day 9 - Enjoy a warm bubble bath.
• Day 10 - Treat yourself to flowers.
• Day 11 - Try aromatherapy - find a scent that you enjoy. Breath deeply!
• Day 12 - Remember one good thing that happened this week.
• Day 13 - Stargaze or watch the clouds.
• Day 14 - Remember you best moments.

Good Mood Foods

Researchers found that foods rich in vitamin B6 are good mood foods. Try to eat at least two of the following items every day:

• Avocados
• Bananas
• Corn
• Chicken
• Rice
• Suplement your diet with Brewer's Yeast Tablets or Vitamin B Complex

Another natural anti-depressant is Omega-3 oil in fish. These fish are highest in Omega-3 oils:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Herring
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Mackerel
• Dislike fish? Take 2 fish oil capsules daily
• Vegetarian? Use flax seed oil in your salad dressing, or sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseed on your cereal, soup or salad. BON APPETITE!