Behavioral Health Articles
Depression in Seniors
by Carol Deloff
May is National Mental Health Month, and May 7 – 13 is Children’s Mental Health Week. The local Behavioral Health Task Force has launched the "Think Again! about Mental Health" campaign; throughout the month look for billboards, posters, and newspaper ads featuring the Think Again! message. The Cortland Free Library is also providing a table with books and various resources about mental health in the main reading area.
Having good mental health throughout life does not ensure immunity from severe depression, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions in the senior years. In fact, some studies show elderly people are at greater risk of mental disorders and their complications than are younger people. However, many of these illnesses, including depression, can be successfully treated if they are accurately diagnosed.
Depression in its many forms affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans who are 65 years old or older. Most seniors with depression have had one or more previous episodes earlier in life. But others have their first onset in later years; depression can even begin in one’s 80’s or 90’s.
Depression in the elderly is closely associated with dependency and disability. It is often caused by significant life changes. Some of the most common risk factors include living alone, diminishing social systems, and a reduced sense of purpose due to retirement or physical limitations. Depression can result in great suffering for the individual and the family.
Depression is a disease of the brain and it comes in different forms, but it is not a normal part of aging. Many older people and their families don’t recognize the symptoms or know it can be treated. Depression in the elderly is often mistaken for other conditions or illnesses. It may even be mistaken for signs of dementia. Also, many older adults think of depression as a character flaw and worry about being stigmatized, so they blame themselves for the illness and are too ashamed to get help.
Symptoms in older persons may differ somewhat from symptoms in younger populations. Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and in some cases, delusions and hallucinations. Older depressed individuals often have severe feelings of sadness, but these feelings are frequently not acknowledged or openly shown.
Older Americans, family members, caregivers, neighbors, and friends need to know that mental illnesses among the elderly are real, common, and treatable. They need to know the difference between healthy grieving over losses and unhealthy depression, between normal worries and anxiety disorders, and between normal drinking and the abuse of alcohol or medications to quell emotional pain. Despite advances, mental illness among the elderly is routinely under-diagnosed and under-treated, even though research shows that treatments for common mental illnesses like depression are as effective among older adults as they are in younger people.
Mental health and physical health are integral to each other and to well-being. Increased physical activity, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle bring benefits at any age, including a reduced risk for some mental illnesses. By taking part in social activities, volunteering, or taking up a new hobby, older adults can reduce the risk for conditions such as depression.
If you are a family member, friend, or health care provider of an older person, watch for clues. Sometimes depression hides behind a smiling face. A depressed person who lives alone may appear to feel better when someone stops by to say hello. The symptoms may seem to go away. However when someone is very depressed, the symptoms usually come back.
Remember: depression is not a normal part of aging. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Mental illness is treatable. Different therapies work for different people, so talk to your physician or mental health worker. There are many local resources available.
The more you know about mental health and aging, the more you can help yourself and others. By caring for your mental health and getting help when you need it, you can continue to enjoy life at any age.
Carol Deloff is the director of the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging