Depression is common among the elderly yet it should not be considered a normal process of aging.
According to the WebMD Medical Reference, late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans 65 and older. But only 10 percent receive treatment for depression, possibly due to the different way it affects seniors.
Depression may be viewed by seniors as a stigma of weakness or character flaw. This is a generation of self reliant people who were not encouraged to freely talk about feelings and problems, so there may be a reluctance to seek help.
Depression often accompanies other illnesses so the symptoms of depression are masked by the illnesses, and the medications used to treat them.
Depression increases the risk of cardiac disease among seniors. Those suffering from age related illnesses take longer to recover, and are less likely to recover at all when they are depressed.
The primary symptom of depression in seniors are physical complaints relating to pain. For the general population other symptoms include poor mood, insomnia or sleeping too much, significant appetite/ weight loss or gain, body aches and pains from no specific cause, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide and lack of energy to face normal daily activities.
Sadness may be confused with depression. Sadness is a personal feeling and generally will pass, usually without professional intervention or medication.
Depression is more than feeling sad or “down.” Depression affects physical health, behavior, emotions and clouds your ability to think clearly.
People suffering from depression will withdraw from activities and social interaction. These actions tend to make the depression worse. Those who are depressed may feel like they are a burden to others, when in fact they truly need social interaction and encouragement from friends. Making purposeful strides to socialize and having personal interactions actually increases the success of fighting depression.
Often times, depression is too big to fight on your own. You may have family and friends who want to help, but whatever they try to do, it is simply not enough. Those who are depressed have trouble relating to others and have the feeling that no one truly understands what they are going through.
Depression can be treated successfully with seniors as well as the general population. Psychotherapy and medications, individually or in combination are used to treat depression. The right treatment depends on the cause as well as the severity of the depression, as well as the individual’s attitude towards treatment.
If you suspect you, a family member or a friend suffers from depression, seek the help of a licensed mental health professional. Licensed professionals can include your doctor, a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist.
Senior Living is written by Dr. Arlen Burger and Mary Burger of A Brand New Day Assisted Living, license 455001567. Email email@example.com. Call 223-1538.