Older Adult Depression:
What You Need to Know

Depression can start at any age, regardless of gender, achievements and status in life. Contrary to what many believe, it is not an inevitable part of the aging process, even when about seven million seniors in the United States are experiencing symptoms of depression, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Depression can complicate other health conditions, making getting treatment all the more important. Early intervention can lead to earlier recovery. Unfortunately, many don’t realize that they have depression which makes getting treatment even more complicated. The more you learn about depression, the more likely you are to spot it before it greatly impacts your functioning. 

The Challenges of Depression for Seniors

Spotting the signs and symptoms of depression, especially for seniors, is not always easy. This is one of the reasons why many are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and ultimately go untreated. For instance, decreased energy can be a symptom of depression while some seniors report less energy and do not in fact have depression.

Depressive symptoms may also mimic certain age-related traits, medical conditions, or it can be linked to medications and/or drug interactions. Insomnia, lethargy or weakness, and irritability can be thought of behaviors that are common among the seniors, yet they can also be symptoms of depression. Poor focus and confusion can be thought to be due to Alzheimer’s disease or other brain conditions, but these can likewise be depressive symptoms.

Depression may also be more challenging to treat among older adults. Depressed seniors could be reluctant to talk about their thoughts and feelings. It can be difficult to talk about your mental health if it was perceived to be somewhat shameful in your earlier days. 

Depressive Signs and Symptoms

The early recognition of depression signs and symptoms is key to recovery. The National Institute for Health (NIH) advises that you seek professional help, if you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment
  • Frequent crying

Are You at Risk?

There are several factors that can combine to increase the risk of depression in older adults. Like any age group, seniors who have depression in their family (a genetic predisposition) are more likely to develop symptoms later in life. Those who had been depressed when they were younger are considered “high risk” for senior depression. 

Know that having chronic medical conditions may similarly put you at risk for depression. Of particular interest are those conditions that are life-threatening, painful and/or incapacitating. Psycom identifies some of these conditions as “cancer, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease, lupus, diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.”

According to Mental Health America “Depression in older adults may be linked to several important risk factors,” to include:

  • Medical illness (particularly chronic health conditions associated with disability or decline)
  • Overall feelings of poor health, disability, or chronic pain
  • Progressive sensory loss (i.e. deteriorating eyesight or hearing loss)
  • A history of falling repeatedly
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Cognitive impairment or dementia
  • Medication side effects (particularly from benzodiazepines, narcotics, beta blockers, corticosteroids, and hormone replacement)
  • Alcohol or prescription medication misuse or abuse
  • Prior depressive episode, or family history of depression
  • Extended mourning due to death of a friend, family member, or other loss
  • Any type of stressful life events (i.e. financial difficulties, new illness/disability, change in living situation, retirement or job loss, and interpersonal conflict)
  • Dissatisfaction with one’s social network

Feel Good At Any Age

Depression can be overwhelming, regardless of your age. Toward later life, however, it can be worse, as it can complicate everything else. Adjusting to the many changes that can come with aging can also lead to depression. 

For many, trips to your primary care doctor are routine and gone to without fail. Unfortunately, we don’t always give our mental health the same care and consideration. You deserve to feel good at any age. 

Carolina Counseling Services, Sanford Office, contracts with licensed therapists and counselors that know how to effectively treat depression at any age. Start enjoying this new phase of life. Call CCS today to get started. Online counseling sessions are available!

Related Articles: