Depression in the Elderly

Depression constitutes a major problem for elderly people. An estimated six million seniors over the age of 65 suffer from clinical depression. Unfortunately, only about 10 percent of older people suffering from this condition receive treatment.

One explanation for this surprising lack of treatment is because many elderly people do not want to reach out for help for fear of being labeled mentally ill. Some seniors do not realize they are depressed since the symptoms often mimic other problems. Another reason many older adults are not treated for depression is due to the fact that they are isolated and do not have anyone around that notices they might need some help for depression. Many physical ailments that can be associated with advancing years may also be symptoms of depression. Certain aches and pains are actually indicators that a person is depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression in the elderly are similar to those exhibited in younger sufferers, with a few exceptions. Symptoms tend to last longer in seniors and increase the risk for some serious health problems. A higher risk for cardiac disease is associated with depression in older people. Depression also negatively impacts an elderly person's ability to rehabilitate after an illness or medical issue.

Other symptoms are listed below:

1. sadness
2. weight loss
3. sleep problems
4. loss of appetite
5. fatique
6. suicidal thoughts
7. loss of self esteem
8. feelings of hopelessness
9. substance abuse

Causes of Depression

As people advance in years, life changes can cause depression. While becoming depressed should not be viewed as a normal condition to be endured as a person gets older, there are many reasons that contribute to that probability.

Below are causes that explain why many seniors experience depression:

1. failing health
2. loss of friends and family
3. fear of death
4. loneliness
5. substance abuse
6. body image changes
7. lack of purpose

Treatments of Depression

There is some good news related to depression. In 80 percent of cases, sufferers can be helped and recover. In spite of many of the worries of getting older, many older people admit that it is the happiest time of their life. Given that there is less responsibility and more time to get involved in activities of interest, busy seniors that stay active are less likely to become depressed.

The main treatments used to fight depression are psychotherapy, medicine and lifestyle changes. While antidepressants are often very successful in treating symptoms of depression, sometimes problems arise due to other medicines that can react with them. Possible serious side effects can sometimes warrant using a different treatment method.

Psychotherapy offers an excellent treatment for many seniors. Especially for people who are unable to take medicine, psychotherapy can be an excellent alternative. Sometimes having someone to talk to can make a significant difference for an older person feeling all alone in the world.

Similar to the lifestyle choices that are good for physical health, these same choices typically benefit a person's mental state of mind. First and foremost, it is important to stay as physically active as possible. A walk in the park or nearest shopping mall can brighten one's spirits. Combining physical activity with other social interactions with friends and family members to keep a busy schedule is also a recommended way to treat or prevent depression.

Summary

It is important for family members to reach out to older relatives. Frequent communication and including your older loved ones in family activities can make an enormous difference in another family member's life. It is especially important to spend extra time with a relative that is exhibiting any of the symptoms of depression mentioned above. Offering to help them get help when they need it can get a loved one back on the right track to a satisfying life.