Older Adult Depression:
What You Need to Know

Depression can befall an older adult, just as it can happen to anyone, regardless of their 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 depressed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Due to the health concerns of seniors, the condition needs to be addressed with haste to prevent complications. CDC reports that a high percentage of the affected are seniors in hospitals and assisted living. Spotting the signs and symptoms, however, can be easier said than done. There are many challenges that lie in the path of diagnosis and treatment.

Do you have good reasons to believe that you could be depressed? When should you see a behavioral health professional? What do you need to know about depression in older adults?

The Challenges of Depression for Seniors

Spotting the signs and symptoms is not always easy, insofar as the diagnosis of depression in seniors is concerned. This is the reason why many are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and therefore, untreated. For one, the symptoms can be unusual for depressed younger people. For instance, sadness is a typical symptom, but it isn’t unusual to find somber seniors who are not depressed. In fact, it is natural for seniors to mellow with age.

Their symptoms may also mimic certain age-related traits, medical conditions, or it can be linked to their medications and/or drug interactions, owing to polypharmacy (multiple drugs). Insomnia, lethargy or weakness, and irritability or grumpiness can be thought of behaviors that are common among the seniors, yet these can already be symptoms of depression. Poor focus and confusion can also 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. They can be stubborn and uncooperative, especially because “having an emotional issue” was perceived to be somewhat shameful in their earlier days. If they have chronic medical issues, they may not only be feeling distressing symptoms. They may also be experiencing the side effects of their medicines.

Depressive Signs and Symptoms

The early recognition of the signs and symptoms is the key to a prompt treatment and an improved outlook of your depression. The National Institute for Health (NIH) advises that you seek professional help, if you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks. The manifestations can be different between individuals, but the NIH says that these are common symptoms of depression in older adults to note:

• 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 older adults with depression. Like in any age group, seniors who have depression in the family (genetic predisposition) are more likely to develop the condition later in life. So, if it “runs in your blood,” be vigilant. Those who had been depressed at any time when they were younger are considered “high risk” for senior depression. Were you depressed before as a child or teen, after you gave birth to a child, or during winters? Be more watchful.

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 enumerates some of these conditions: “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,” and these include, among others:

• 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 eye sight 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 hormones)
• 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 Your Age

Depression can be overwhelming, regardless of your age. Toward later life, however, it can be worse, as it complicates everything else. If you are nursing a “broken” body or spirit because of medical disorders, a loss, financial trouble, or you live alone, you could be extra vulnerable. How can you feel good when you can your age gradually invades every cell of your body? Stay healthy -physically and emotionally.

It would be difficult not to take care of your physical health or not to see your primary doctor when you are saddled by age-related disorders. Unfortunately, emotional health is usually given little attention, even in this stage of life. Continuing to be healthy and feeling good is vital throughout life, and that doesn’t change just because you now have a few lines on your face, a wobblier stance, or a few more grey hairs.

With age, you will be challenged by major life changes and transitions. How you faced, addressed and learned from these experiences can contribute to your ability to stay healthy at this stage in your life. Do you succumb to desperation, sadness and distress now that you are more aware and concerned of your own health? Or do you take on the challenge of an older adult, seek a new purpose and grow anew?

Aging Gracefully Despite The Threat of Depression

Who doesn’t want to age gracefully? You can’t, however, when you are depressed. Know that depression is not a typical component of aging. You can age well and have a satisfying life. The key is to achieve emotional wellness while reinventing yourself, discovering new things to enjoy, staying active – emotionally and physically, and accepting the life changes and adjusting to them. How do you do all these? These are the ways you can be helped by an experienced counselor/therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC.

With counseling and therapy, the causal reasons of your depression can be addressed, and not just your manifestations or symptoms. You will have someone to support you in your endeavors, if you are trying new ones. You will have someone to talk to, easing your loneliness, doubts, helplessness, and hopelessness. With therapy, you can sort out your issues, heal your grief, and process unfamiliar feelings. With a contracted CCS – Sanford, NC therapist, you can even modify your thinking patterns and reactions to adjust to your new life situations. Free yourself from depression once and for all, by scheduling your first appointment today.

Related Articles: