Depression Among the Elderly: Warning Signs Can be Easy to Miss
As summer becomes fall and the days grow shorter and cooler, many people—especially those who are elderly and homebound—can experience a bit of an emotional turn. For most of us, this seasonal “depression” is quite normal, and presents no cause for concern. But it’s good to be mindful of a few common symptoms that might indicate more serious depression, because, when they are overlooked, they can lead to bigger issues.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Depression interferes with your daily life. Depression can often trigger a downward spiral that can result in a series of health issues. Many people suffering from depression never seek treatment but the majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment! Medications and other methods can effectively treat people with depression.
How can depression in the elderly be easy to overlook?
Depression in the elderly is frequently ignored because it is often mistaken for other aging-related illness or loss. Seniors, themselves, may ignore the symptoms, believing their suffering is a result of growing older and, therefore, that they are expected to slow down. In addition, many seniors experience loss of social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement, or moving to a different home. Reactions to these losses may be misunderstood, but they are not necessarily signs of depression.
Physical conditions like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and chronic pain further increase the risk of depression among the elderly. Certain medicines or combination of medicines have side effects that may contribute to depression, as does social isolation and living alone. As a result, effective treatment often gets delayed, leaving many elderly people to unnecessarily struggle with depression.
Here are some warning signs of geriatric depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism that interfere with daily life
- Irritability or agitation and restlessness
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide/suicide attempts
- Sleeping too much or too little, awakening frequently
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts
What to do if you notice any of these warning signs:
The most important thing is to help your loved one get an assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
There are many ways to effectively treat depression in the elderly, from cognitive behavioral therapy to medications. Reassure them that with a little help, they can enjoy life again. And talking about it is the first step! Keep in mind they may be holding back because they don’t want to create an additional burden for the person who is caring for them.
Hiring a home care aide who can be in the home on a daily or weekly basis to observe changes in behavior, eating, sleeping patterns, etc. is a wonderful idea! Alma Health Skilled Services will work with your loved one to develop a plan that keeps them healthy and safe in their home environment. Contact us for a free in-home assessment!
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[post_content] => As summer becomes fall and the days grow shorter and cooler, many people—especially those who are elderly and homebound—can experience a bit of an emotional turn. For most of us, this seasonal “depression” is quite normal, and presents no cause for concern. But it’s good to be mindful of a few common symptoms that might indicate more serious depression, because, when they are overlooked, they can lead to bigger issues.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Depression interferes with your daily life. Depression can often trigger a downward spiral that can result in a series of health issues. Many people suffering from depression never seek treatment but the majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment! Medications and other methods can effectively treat people with depression.
How can depression in the elderly be easy to overlook?
Depression in the elderly is frequently ignored because it is often mistaken for other aging-related illness or loss. Seniors, themselves, may ignore the symptoms, believing their suffering is a result of growing older and, therefore, that they are expected to slow down. In addition, many seniors experience loss of social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement, or moving to a different home. Reactions to these losses may be misunderstood, but they are not necessarily signs of depression.
Physical conditions like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and chronic pain further increase the risk of depression among the elderly. Certain medicines or combination of medicines have side effects that may contribute to depression, as does social isolation and living alone. As a result, effective treatment often gets delayed, leaving many elderly people to unnecessarily struggle with depression.
Here are some warning signs of geriatric depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism that interfere with daily life
- Irritability or agitation and restlessness
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide/suicide attempts
- Sleeping too much or too little, awakening frequently
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts