Abundant life for the rest of your life.
Abundant life for the rest of your life.
Depression just comes with age, doesn't it? No. Depression is not a part of normal aging, and it can get better with treatment. Because of significant losses often related to aging-health, home, relationships, social status-seniors commonly feel both sadness and grief. Only when these feelings stick around and get in the way of living one's life do we call it depression.
How can I tell the difference between sadness and depression? People express sadness in all different ways-crying or being quiet, wanting to be alone or around people, feeling tired or upset. Likewise, depression looks different in different people. In general, however, if sadness lasts more than two weeks and significantly changes how one eats or sleeps or keeps to a daily routine, it's time to check with a professional.
What does depression look like in later life? Depression after 50 tends to focus less on sadness and more on fatigue, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, physical pain/discomfort, diminished interest in people and activities, hopelessness/ helplessness, and thoughts of death. Some people resist a diagnosis of depression due to cultural stigma; others may turn to alcohol or prescription medications for relief. Depression often accompanies serious medical conditions, complicating diagnosis and treatment of the whole person.
Can anything be done about depression? There are a variety of effective treatments for depression, and a thorough assessment helps us select the best approach for each person and family. Psychotherapy is often useful and may involve cognitive-behavioral skills (changing unwanted thoughts and learning to relax); narrative techniques (finding meaning in your life stories); and spiritual practices (such as developing prayer life and community).
What about medication? Some serious depressions may require a psychiatric consultation and medication. Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication can be used to calm agitation and insomnia, at times improving one's readiness for therapy. Older adults tend to be sensitive to side effects, so dosages may need to start out low.
Signs of Depression
If you or a loved one experience several of these symptoms, you may be clinically depressed and in need of a more complete evaluation by a mental health professional:
