More Than Mood: A Depression Symptoms Toolkit for Families and Caregivers
Depression affects more than just mood. Depression can interfere with one’s ability to think clearly, among other symptoms. If you have noticed that your loved one can’t seem to remember dates or appointments, is inattentive during conversations, is highly disorganized, or has difficulty making decisions, these may be signs of cognitive impairment.
The following resources, collectively known as “More Than Mood: A Depression Symptoms Toolkit for Families and Caregivers”, explain how ROAM symptoms (Reasoning, Organization, Attention, Memory) may appear, provide strategies for caregivers to help their loved ones, and offer real-world family stories that show how families have found positive coping solutions to deal with cognitive impairment.
Watch our “A Guide to the More Than Mood Depression Symptoms Toolkit” to better understand the purpose of the toolkit. Includes an interview with Dr. Ron Manderscheid, Executive Director of the National Association of County Behavioral and Developmental Disability Directors.
Reasoning, Organization, Attention, and Memory (ROAM)
Your loved ones may exhibit signs of forgetfulness, trouble making decisions, distractedness, or problems with planning, organizing, or analyzing. We call these the ROAM symptoms–Reasoning, Organization, Attention, and Memory. These symptoms can have a negative effect on family relations. You may wonder, “Why can’t my wife remember to pick the kids up from school on time?” or “Why does it seem like my sister is never truly listening when I talk?” ROAM symptoms, when coupled with changes in mood, can noticeably alter one’s behavior and personality and put additional strain on the family caregiver.
Toolkit Fact Sheets
These fact sheets offer a detailed description of ROAM symptoms, how ROAM symptoms affect the family, action steps that family caregivers can take to address ROAM symptoms, suggestions on how to interact with providers, and a symptom tracking chart.
What are the ROAM symptoms of Depression?
Action Steps for the Family Caregiver
More Than Mood: Depression Symptoms Webinar
This 52-minute webinar goes in depth into familiar depression symptoms, depression symptoms related to thinking (cognition), how you may recognize cognitive impairment in a loved one, and helpful techniques to use to support someone struggling with cognitive impairment. Alice Medalia, Ph.D., is the webinar facilitator. Dr. Medalia is the Clinical Director of Cognitive Health Services at the New York State Office of Mental Health and a Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center. Original air date: March 21, 2017.
Family Stories of Depression and ROAM Symptoms
Monica and Maria’s Family Story
- Learn more about Monica and Dan, two people who tell their stories about the cognitive symptoms of depression.
- Watch our More Than Mood: Depression Symptoms Webinar.
- Visit the Cereal for Dinner website for practical advice about living with depression.