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Common Symptoms of Depression 

Consider the list below and ask yourself whether or not any of these symptoms are familiar:

• Frequently feeling apathetic or unmotivated
  
• Frequently feeling agitated, empty or numb
  
• Feeling negatively about yourself or frequently pessimistic
  
• Withdrawing socially
  
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much)
  
• Losing or gaining more than 5 percent of your body weight in a month
  
• Noticeable decrease in energy
  
• Unexplained episodes of crying 

What Causes Depression with Macular Degeneration?

Depression with macular degeneration may arise from deep feelings of rage, grief or frustration, from isolation or loneliness, from prolonged inactivity or boredom, from self-judgment, from fearing the future, or from feeling out of control with or without options. Some people may be genetically predisposed to depression. Your diet and exercise patterns may also make a difference. If you live in a car-centered area without good public transportation and you lose your driver’s license, you may also be more likely to experience depression. Losing your license may initially contribute to isolation and loneliness, especially if you’ve always relied on cars. It may also affect your sense of independence and personal style. Losing your driver’s license can be a major blow.

Treating Depression 

Many seniors make the mistake of thinking they should strong-arm their way out of depression. Worse, they think that if they can’t strong-arm their way out, there’s something wrong with them. Worst of all, they think they just have to live with it.

There are two reasons why you may not be able to strong-arm your way out of depression, and neither of them has anything to do with being weak. First, depression is a real physiological condition, not just a mindset or a bad attitude. Research suggests that stressful situations and significant losses in our lives affect the production and regulation of chemicals in our brains that influence our emotional state and our immune system. Once you are depressed, you may remain depressed if you do not receive professional help and take direct action, because the balance of chemicals in your brain may actually promote your depression, or at least sustain it. Second, if your depression was triggered by loneliness, isolation or inactivity, it is unlikely to lift from thinking alone. You need to address the root of the problem. The more you do, the better.

The first thing you should do, however, is talk to your doctor. Then act on the following suggestions with his or her advice:

• Ask your doctor about anti-depressant medications and alternative treatments.
  
• If you are sensitive to sugar or alcoholism runs in your family, ask your doctor about switching to a balanced carbohydrate-protein diet that is designed to keep your glucose levels stable. Diet may contribute to depression in some people.
  
• Begin a regular routine of physical exercise, which has been shown to be an effective remedy for depression in many people.
  
• Attend a visual rehabilitation program in your area.
  
• Develop a lively social network, whether you live alone or with family. Cultivate your interests and make new friends.
  
• Find and use alternative modes of transportation. Buses, taxis and trains can restore your independence if you have given up your car.
  
• Seek professional counseling, especially counseling that complements visual rehabilitation by helping you express your feelings, focus on your skills and combat self-judging or limited thoughts.
  

Editor’s Note: The macular degeneration community has millions of members. If you have AMD, you are not alone. This article is just part of a whole section of tips and guidance for living with AMD found in Dr. Mogk’s book, “Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight”. The book is available at Amazon.com or through your local bookseller.