Depression and Older Adults

Feeling down every once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few weeks or months, you may have depression. Read this article to find common signs and symptoms of depression, treatment options, and if you or your loved one may be at risk for depression.

On this page:

• What is depression?
• What are risk factors of depression?
• What are signs and symptoms of depression?
• Supporting friends and family with depression
• Talking with friends and family about suicide
• How is depression treated?
• Depression in people with dementia
• Can depression be prevented?

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It can affect the way you feel, act, and think. Depression is a common problem among older adults, but clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems than younger people. However, if you’ve experienced depression as a younger person, you may be more likely to have depression as an older adult.

Depression is serious, and treatments are available to help. For most people, depression gets better with treatment. Counseling, medicine, or other forms of treatment can help. You do not need to suffer — help and treatment options are available. Talk with your doctor if you think you might have depression.

There are several types of depression that older adults may experience:

• Major Depressive Disorder – includes symptoms lasting at least two weeks that interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – a depressed mood that lasts more than two years, but the person may still be able to perform daily tasks, unlike someone with Major Depressive Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder – depression related to the use of substances, like alcohol or pain medication
• Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition – depression related to a separate illness, like heart disease or multiple sclerosis.

Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postmenopausal depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Find detailed descriptions of different types of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Contact someone if you need help

If you are thinking about harming yourself, tell someone who can help immediately.

• Do not isolate yourself.
• Call a trusted family member or friend.
• Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help.
• Make an appointment with your doctor.

Call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 800-799-4TTY (800-799-4889).

What are risk factors of depression?

There are many things that may be risk factors of depression. For some people, changes in the brain can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event, like a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death. Sometimes, those under a lot of stress — especially people who care for loved ones with a serious illness or disability — can feel depressed. Others may become depressed for no clear reason.

Research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
• Genes – people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk
• Stress, including caregiver stress
• Sleep problems
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult
• Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder

Social isolation and depression in older adults

Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression.

If you’re feeling socially isolated or lonely, and you cannot see your friends and family in person for any reason, try reaching out over the phone or joining a virtual club. Find tips to help you stay more connected.

Article Original Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults

#SilverSnipers #CounterStrike #DieHardBirdie #AbbeBorg #Esports #Game #VideoGame #VideoGammers #healthcare #mentalhealth #loneliness #isolation #health  #fitness #healthylifestyle #wellness #healthy  #motivation #workout #gym #happy #GetFit #Cardio #Cycling #FitFam #FitLife #Fitness #FitnessMotivation #fitnessaddict