Identifying Depression in Seniors
A Guide for Older People Suffering from a Depressive Illness
This factsheet looks at how depression affects older people, including symptoms, stigma, treatment and coping strategies.
Older people seem to be more vulnerable to suffering from depression, which may be partly attributable to changes common in later life such as retirement, bereavement and health issues. However, there are other factors that may be relevant and depression should not be viewed as a normal part of getting older. Depression is a very treatable illness and most sufferers recover fully.
Symptoms of Depression
Here are some common symptoms of depression:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and/or despair
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of anxiety and worry
- Feelings of agitation and irritability
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Dwelling on the past
- Feeling suicidal – wanting to end it all
- Tiredness and problems with sleep
- Decrease in sex-drive
- Changes in appetite
Depression affects all sufferers differently and so some will not experience every symptom. There are physical illnesses, such as thyroid problems and some heart conditions, that may present with depressive symptoms. Depression can also be a side-effect of some medications. It is therefore important to seek a proper diagnosis to ascertain if there is underlying condition present.
Depression and Dementia
Older people may feel particularly alarmed if they are feeling confused or forgetful, for fear that they may be developing dementia. These symptoms are very common in depression and not necessarily a sign of dementia, which usually manifests differently. Sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, are much less likely to be aware of their memory problems.
Depression and Society
Some older people may have been raised in a society that viewed mental health problems as character flaws or weaknesses. Although the stigma still exists, it has started to lift in recent years. Depression is recognized as a real illness and doctors treat cases everyday - those who come forward are not wasting the doctor's time. Talking to friends and relatives may be helpful, especially for those concerned about visiting the doctor. Some find it helpful to have somebody attend the doctor with them, or to be there if the doctor visits them at home.
Self-help for Depression
Depression can be treated and managed, and there are a few self-help strategies:
- Talking. Talking to friends and relatives can be a helpful means of getting feelings out in the open.
- Structure. This can be lost following retirement. Getting out and about can bring structure to the day and may also offer distraction. Some people undertake some voluntary work to get them back into a routine. For those who are unable to get around, family and friends may be able to help.
- Exercise. Again, this might not be possible if for those who can’t get around, but for those who are able, they may feel benefit from taking up some exercise such as walking. It is prudent for sufferers to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise regime.
- A healthy diet. This can also be difficult for those who have little appetite but it is important to try to get the right balance of foods. In general, including plenty fruit, vegetables and starchy foods may be helpful, while it is better to eat less sugar, fat and salt.
Treating Depression
There are many treatments available, including medication and talking treatments. Depression is sometimes treated with antidepressants. These drugs work by altering levels of the chemicals in the brain that are strongly linked to depression. These drugs are well-researched and considered to be a safe and effective treatment. They may, however, take several weeks to start working. They may also come with unpleasant side-effects such as nausea and drowsiness, but these are usually short-lived.
There are several talking treatments available. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective, and aims to modify the sufferer's view of the world. These treatments are safe but may require hard work and commitment. Some may find benefit in exploring complementary therapies such as aromatherapy.
Read Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder for more information on treating depressive illnesses. It is advisable for those suffering symptoms of depression to visit a doctor and/or a mental health professional for more information and support.
Sources
Depression in Older Adults: The Royal College of Psychiatrists, accessed 22nd March 2008, no author specified
Older People and Mental Health: Mind, accessed 22nd March 2008, no author specified
