Have you ever felt isolated and indifferent towards things and activities that you once enjoyed? Do you feel a perpetual sense of gloom and hopelessness about your life? Are you experiencing difficulty sleeping or waking up too late or too early? If your answer is yes to all of the above, chances are high that you could be exhibiting symptoms of depression.
Depression can happen to anyone, young or old. However, senior members of the community are prone to developing depression and it is a major concern. The reason for this occurrence is often due to significant life changes. This may include health problems, dealing with grief and loss, fear of reduced mobility and cognitive function, and a reduced sense of purpose in life. These situations can exacerbate feelings of helplessness and may lead to depression.
No matter how common these situations are for seniors and how common depressive feelings can be as a result, it still doesn’t make depression a normal part of getting older. Depression in seniors may get overlooked because it may not necessarily show similar signs and symptoms as exhibited by younger people.
Causes and Risk Factors of Depression in Seniors
Regardless of how it develops, depression is an illness that needs to be addressed with treatment from a licensed health professional. The condition may develop due to these contributing factors.
Feelings of Loneliness
A dwindling social circle especially upon retirement, living conditions, and experiencing several losses due to death or moving away can trigger feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can lead to depression.
Health Condition
Many senior adults experience health problems, such as chronic pain, cognitive decline, and other illnesses that could intensify feelings of sadness and other negative emotions. This may trigger depression.
Fears and Anxieties
A fear of dying, living alone, financial worries, and feelings of loneliness can create a lot of space for anxiety to grow amongst seniors. Left unaddressed and processed, this may lead to depression.
Loss of Purpose
A full active life creates a deep sense of purpose, but in many older adults, these activities tend to become inhibited as they encounter various physical limitations. Inevitably, such limitations can impact their sense of purpose in life and contribute to depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Seniors
Identifying signs and symptoms of depression in older adults is not always easy. They may tend to feel more numb and indifferent towards the things around them. However, here are some of the common signs to look for.
- Feeling easily irritated.
- Being overly sensitive at the smallest things.
- Restless feelings and difficulty sitting still.
- Perpetually sad or indifferent mood.
- Fatigue and loss of energy.
- Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early or sleeping for lengthy periods.
- Loss of interest in the things that used to bring joy.
- Either eating more or eating less than normal.
- Thoughts of death and committing suicide.
Try to observe their behaviors and be more sensitive. Becoming aware of these warning signs and seeking help as early as possible can help save someone’s sanity or life.
Treating Depression
If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or most of these signs, it is wise to give them a nudge to seek help or to consult a health professional. Do not take depression lightly as in some cases it may lead to serious consequences.
These are the most common ways of treating depression in seniors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy could be an effective treatment to help reframe unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that lead to depressive feelings. It still all begins in the mind and even though not everyone knows it, therapists can help guide older adults towards making healthier adjustments for themselves.
Medications
The most common prescription for treating depression is anti-depressants. But seniors may not react to anti-depressants in the same way as younger people do, so this should be administered carefully by their doctor.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain changes in a person’s lifestyle can impact their mood, emotions, and cognition, all leading towards either a healthier life or triggering a person to experience depression. Regular physical movement, enough sleep and rest, a healthy diet, and being socially supported are a few of the most vital aspects of a senior person’s lifestyle that could help ease or exacerbate depression.
No matter how mild or severe, depression can be treated, but it should never be dealt with alone. So if you or someone you care about is exhibiting signs and symptoms of depression, make it a point to see a health care professional who can give guidance and assist towards healing.
