When Seniors are Depressed

The mistaken idea that depression in the elderly is a normal sign of aging can cause much anxiety and needless suffering for seniors, as well the rest of the family. Depression is different from the every day “blues.” When diagnosed and treated the elderly can return to living happy and fruitful lives.

Women experience depression more often than men due to many hormonal factors and body changes through out their lives. In addition, the role women play in their lives with the additional stress and responsibilities such as working while keeping the home and raising the children, or caring for an aging parent, can contribute to depression. Women are two times more likely to admit to depression than men are, even though about six million men in the United States are affected by depression.

Depression is not always easy to detect in the elderly. They may not talk about how they are feeling for fear of depression being a sign of a character flaw, or worse yet being labeled as “crazy." Depression can interfere with a seniors ability to function normally for a prolonged period of time, whereas sadness or grieving after a loss, does not immobilize a person.

Depression is not a passing mood and it is not something that they will just “get over.” If undiagnosed and untreated, it can go on for months or even years. If feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest in activities they usually find pleasurable continue they need to be seen by a trained professional. Depression in seniors is usually a medical illness that can be treated with medication or psychotherapy.