​Facts about Depression:

• Living with depression is NOT a normal part of aging.
• Depression and its symptoms can icnrease your risk of a fall.
• Depression can change your walking pattern and posture while standing. this can put you at higher risk for falls.
• Some medications used to treat depression can increase your risk of falls.
• Thos over the age of 60 who are diagnosed with depression and receiving treatment are 50% more likely to fall than individuals not diagnosed with depression.

What can you do?

• Recognize the symptoms of depression
• Sad mood much of the day and night
• Feeling badly about yourself
• Loss of interest in hobbies or people
• Feeling useless, hopeless or excessive guilt
• Thinking more about your failures and inadequacies than the good in your life
• Oversleeping or insomnia
• Extreme fatigue and/or low energy
• Suicidal thoughts
• No appetite or overeating
• Talk with your doctor
• Keep track of your symptoms and discuss how they are affecting your life
• Stay active. Physical activity can help with some of the symptoms of depression
• Get enough sleep or rest
• Eat well. Canada's food quide can help you make healthy food choices
• Avoid alcohol
.