Seniors and Depression

While aging is no easy journey, clinical depression is not a required companion. Depression is more than sadness -- it is a mood that persists and continues to interfere with ordinary functioning.

Risk Factors
Seniors often encounter life experiences and physical changes that raise the risk of developing depression. Factors include:

• Difficulty adjusting to losses such as the death of a spouse, leaving their longtime home, diminished capabilities, and retirement from active work
• Side effects from medications
• Chronic conditions or severe illnesses
• Social isolation
• Suffering from chronic pain
• Vascular changes in the brain
• History of depression

Common Signs of Depression
If a person is depressed, he or she may sleep too little or too much; lose interest in food; find it difficult to concentrate and become easily confused; grow irritable; withdraw; feel hopeless; lose interest in activities he or she previously enjoyed; and/or become less attentive to personal care.

Diagnosis
Depression increases the risk of developing other illnesses and can leave seniors at a greater risk for suicide. Take the self-administered Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to gain an idea of the extent of any symptoms you or someone you love is experiencing. If the symptoms have lasted longer than two weeks, don't delay in contacting your doctor. Ask for a geriatric medical evaluation to rule out physical reasons for symptoms of depression and to receive treatment for depression, if diagnosed.

Barriers to Treatment
Some seniors believe that depression is a weakness, not a true medical condition. Accepting help may be difficult but it is a first step in treating your condition. Fear of side effects or cost may keep other seniors from seeking treatment. Believing that you still have reasons to live can go a long way in achieving treatment success.

Treatment Options
Your doctor may treat your depression with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. You may also benefit from joining support groups. For some, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may work. Doctors may discontinue or switch other medications that have a tendency to intensify depressed conditions.

In addition to medical treatments, you may seek out activities, new or old, that spark an interest. Try daily exercise (under your doctor's care), listening to or participating in music, gardening, or spending time with a pet. Reminisce with other seniors or younger people. Keep humor in your life.

Advice for the Journey
If it seems that your closest companions on your journey are hopelessness and lethargy, you are probably depressed. Seek help so you may leave behind your depression. Discover with renewed interest the life still waiting for you.