Breaking the taboo of depression in seniors
Each of us is a complex and curious puzzle. We are shaped by genetics, the environment, our experience and equally important, by the values of the generation into which we were born.
"For many individuals 70 and up, speaking freely about their emotions is not something with which they're comfortable," says
David Greenspan, MD, geriatric psychiatrist at Virtua Memorial Hospital. "What rarely gets communicated is that depression in the elderly is often a stigmatized condition, so people don't seek help. Older people may be intensely private about their emotions, and many view depression as a sign of weakness."
This is in stark contrast to people who grew up in the 60s and 70s - generations who feel entitled to their feelings, and are equally at ease sharing them with others, sometimes many others - just turn on daytime TV.
Depressive feelings can be a part of life
With a little help from your doctor
Major depression can be fixed
Carpe Diem
Know the warning signs of major depression
Depressive feelings can be a part of life
Older individuals can sink into a depression for the same reasons as younger people: because of illness, loss of a spouse or family member or a major life change. For seniors, moving into a nursing home or a residence where they lose their independence or privacy may trigger a depression and a feeling of what-is-there-left-to-live-for?
"Some factors that cause depression increase with age," says Dr. Greenspan.
"But there is no reason why anyone who becomes depressed has to stay that way. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the norm for older people to be depressed just because they are older." Persistent depressive feelings are no longer just feelings, but could be an illness called major depression.
With a little help from your doctor
Recognition is the first step in easing the hopelessness and emotional malaise of major depression. Most older individuals visit their physicians when they feel ill or experience unpleasant physical symptoms, but few will voluntarily make a doctor's appointment when they don't feel emotionally well.
Family members and friends should stay alert for changes in the behavior and demeanor of older individuals in their lives. If warning signs of depression are noted, it's best to gently raise the issue with the person, "breaking the ice" on the subject over several occasions. Offer to accompany the person to the physician. If all else fails and the person is sliding downhill, it may be best to call the physician.
Major depression can be fixed
Left untreated, major depression can ruin the quality of someone's life. It can weaken the immune system and, in the worst case, lead to suicide. Psychotherapy, combined with medication is currently used by millions of Americans both old and young, as a highly effective way to get their lives back on track.
Carpe diem
In Latin, it means seize the day, living every day to the fullest. If an older person experiences the symptoms of depression for more than two weeks straight, it's time to call the family physician. Loss and sadness are a part of life, especially as individuals age. But protracted emotional pain and suffering need to be corrected.
Know the warning signs of major depression:
- Insomnia, irritability, memory problems, withdrawing socially
- Feelings of sadness or anxiety lasting for more than two weeks straight*
- Feeling a distinct loss of pleasure or interest in activities that once gave pleasure
- Change in appetite - either an increase or decrease in weight
- Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- Feelings of worthlessness, being a burden, or excessive guilt
- Loss of vigor, feeling weak and worn out
- Being restless, "nervous" or "jittery"
- Preoccupation with death, feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts about suicide
*Especially prevalent in older individuals