What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I will be 70 years old in 2 days. I am in reasonably good health. Have always been a helper to friends and family . I love my family but when they or anyone invite me to do something fun or exciting I feel like I am under pressure and don,t want them here or to go anywhere. I just want to be alone and do nothing. I have lived a very stressful life and lost my husband of 54 years a year ago. What can I do to get better?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query,

Your symptoms sound fairly classic for depression. It may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing this however.

Generally we might consider a combination of lifestyle modifications and sometimes antidepressant medications to help alleviate depressive symptoms.

We would recommend regular exercise daily if possible for at least 30-45 minutes along with a good well balanced diet.

Zoloft is commonly used but if it does not seem to be working your doctor may consider an alternative - there are many other medications in the antidepressant category which may be of benefit.

I am confident you will achieve improvement of this depressive condition - may take a number of weeks or months. Please work with your dovtor on this.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar