Aging can be daunting. We often experience considerable loss as we get older. Some losses might be observable, such as a loss of mobility or significantly diminished cognitive functioning. Some losses may be less obvious, such as the loss of independence one feels when he or she cannot do all of the things that he or she could once do. While depression is not be a normal part of growing older, the life changes and losses that older adults experience could lead to one feeling depressed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is more prevalent in individuals who suffer from other illnesses or who have limited functioning (http://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm).
Some
symptoms associated with depression are:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- A loss of interest in things that one used to enjoy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Appetite changes or changes in weight
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or low energy
- Problems concentrating
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Notably, according
to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “In 2010, the highest
suicide rate (18.6) was among people 45 to 64 years old. The second highest rate (17.6) occurred in
those 85 years and older” (http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures).
Fortunately,
there is effective treatment for depression, and older adults can benefit from
this treatment. Participating in
psychotherapy, taking antidepressant medication, or utilizing a combination of
both treatment modalities can lead to symptom reduction. However, older adults might not realize that
they are suffering from depression.
Furthermore, they might be opposed to receiving mental health treatment because
they think that those who receive such treatment are crazy, and they do not
need such treatment. Therefore, it is
important to approach this subject with older adults gently.
For family members and friends of older
adults, recognizing the symptoms of depression is just the first step. Letting them know that while we, as younger
persons cannot truly understand what they are going through because we have not
done so, we can appreciate the changes and challenges that one experiences as
he or she ages. It is important to
discuss the changes and losses that our older adult relatives and friends have
and to validate their feelings.
Explaining that depression is a type of illness like other illnesses
that they might be experiencing could lead older adults to be more accepting of
mental health treatment.
Other ways to help with low mood can include:
- Exercise
- Healthy diet
- Socialization
- Active lifestyle
- Meditation
- Volunteering
Caring for
an older adult can be stressful and lead to depression, if one does not have adequate resources to cope. Therefore, in addition to paying careful
attention to the older adult for which one is caring, it is important for the
caregiver to be aware of any symptoms of depression he or she may be
experiencing and seek treatment for these symptoms.
Resources:
National
Institute of Mental Health:
Medline
Plus:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001521.htm
The Voice of
Women 40+
Guest Blogger: Michele Evans, Ph.D.
