Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

An older relative withdraws and loses interest: what should you tell the doctor?

Tiredness, physical complaints and everyday changes: prepare an assessment without diagnosing the person yourself.

Editorial illustration of a health discussion; it does not depict the pharmacy’s actual premises.
Editorial illustration — Kennedy Pharmacy Mulhouse

General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.

In an older person, depression can present as tiredness, reduced appetite, withdrawal or memory difficulties. These signs alone do not establish that diagnosis.

Depressive illness differs from temporary distress. Saying that more effort is enough can minimise suffering and does not replace care.

Describe changes in interest, sleep and everyday life to the doctor. They assess associated symptoms, other health problems and severity.

A medical discussion remains essential; an online score is not enough. The duration of some diagnostic criteria does not mean you should wait before seeking help.

Listen to your relative and support their request for care without managing everything alone. Take any talk of suicide seriously and act without delay.

For an imminent risk of a suicide attempt, call 15 or 112 in France and do not leave the person alone. A prevention appointment does not replace this help.

Sources

Your health review

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Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.

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Outside these age groups? Tell family and friends

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