Depression in the Golden Years

As the years go by, and every day life seems to slow down, many of our elderly suffer from depression.  Loved ones and friends have passed, and their own youth seems to be slipping away.  What were once simple every day tasks and hobbies are no longer easy or even possible.

It has been found that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  When a person's levels are off or low, they can start to feel agitated, lose interest in hobbies, lose weight, have no energy and have feelings of uselessness with thoughts of suicide or death.  Sometimes these changes can be subtle and take a long time to be noticed by friends or family.  Other times they can come on very quickly and be quite obvious to anyone who socializes with them.

In the United States alone an estimated 6 million people over the age of sixty-five suffer from depression.  Only about 10 percent are medically treated or seek therapy.  Due to the fact that most people are on medications already, or are already sick with another type of illness, they don't usually associate the symptoms of depression with how they are feeling.  They may not know that they are depressed, and by the time they do it is too late.

Once a patient has finally been diagnosed with depression, the next step is to seek therapy and possibly get medicated.  Some of the more common approaches are cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic and group therapy.  Every person is different and will have to feel out which one works best for them.  With medication and support the golden years will most likely be back on track again.  It may take a little time, effort and help, but depression can be overcome no matter what age you are.