Go for a walk — sometimes getting away for a while and taking a walk can help you deal with your emotions. " says Joel E. Streim, MD, professor of geriatric psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. Depression is more than just feeling sad or blue. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one type of talk therapy used to treat depression. It is important to keep trying until you find something that works for you. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. All these factors can cause depression to go undiagnosed or untreated in older people. Sign up to receive updates and resources delivered to your inbox. Learn more about depression from the National Institute of Mental Health. Depression, even severe depression, can be treated. Coping with change is difficult, no matter how old you are. Call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889). The warning says that patients of all ages taking antidepressants should be watched closely, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Often symptoms such as sleep, appetite, and concentration problems improve before mood lifts, so it is important to give the medication a chance to work before deciding whether it works for you. Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help, or ask a friend or family member to help you. This can be a sign of serious depression and anxiety. Isolation feeds the Black Dog of Depression so it’s important to reach out to others whether you feel like it or not. Doctors call this condition “depressive disorder” or “clinical depression.”. If you have several of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you may have depression. However, important life changes that happen as we get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, stress, and sadness. The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. What can be done to lower the risk of depression? Hitting 50 for many of us is a time when we reflect on our lives and think about our mortality. "If your parent is not eating for more than a few days, or loses interest in activities that used to give her pleasure for more than two weeks, it could be depression," says Dr. Streim. By Susan Scarf Merrell published November 1, 1996 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016 202-336-6123 (TDD/TTY)www.apa.org, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance  For example, older adults may suffer from restricted blood flow, a condition called ischemia. Here are some coping strategies. Depression is common in older people but often overlooked and untreated. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. 800-374-2721 (toll-free) Coping with getting older. There are several types of depressive disorders. It's really important to hear them out and honor their emotions. Antidepressants take time, usually 2 to 4 weeks, to work. Be gently insistent if your plans are refused: depressed people often feel better when theyre around others. Some treatments are short-term, lasting 10 to 20 weeks; others are longer, depending on the person's needs. You are all coping with the death of someone you cared for. Older people are at risk for depression, are underserved by the mental health profession, and have the highest rates of suicide in the country. Over time, blood vessels may stiffen and prevent blood from flowing normally to the body’s organs, including the brain. Older adults also may have more medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer, which may cause depressive symptoms. Find out which illnesses are related to depression along with the symptoms and treatments of this type of depression. Or they may be taking medications with side effects that contribute to depression. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping. There are many symptoms associated with depression, and some will vary depending on the individual. If the doctor can find no medical condition that may be causing the depression, the next step is a psychological evaluation. If your father can no longer drive, offering to drive him around or pay for a taxi service won't necessarily soften the blow. For a number of reasons, male depression often goes undiagnosed and can have devastating consequences when it goes untreated. Educating yourself about what to expect, and taking care of your body will help support your positive attitude. Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. Major depression involves severe symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. Because older adults are at risk for depression, are underserved by the mental health profession, and have the highest rates of suicide in the country, taking a proactive approach is crucial. 866-415-8051 (TTY/toll-free)nimhinfo@nih.govwww.nimh.nih.gov, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline For instance, the death of a loved one, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling sad or anxious. "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. Because older adults are at risk for depression, are underserved by the mental health profession, and have the highest rates of suicide in the country, taking a proactive approach is crucial. 800-826-3632 (toll-free)www.dbsalliance.org, National Alliance on Mental Illness Support may be available until you can manage the grief on your own. Do not use herbal medicines such as St. John’s wort before talking with your healthcare provider. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. ", Credit: It should never be combined with a prescription antidepressant, and you should not use it to replace conventional care or to postpone seeing a healthcare provider. Other types of talk therapy, like problem-solving therapy, can be helpful for people with depression. Depression can affect men and women differently. Expect your mood to improve slowly. Treatments for depression include psychological therapies and antidepressants. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your doctor or healthcare provider. Nancy Schimelpfening. Depression in the Elderly: 7 Ways to Help. Now i can see that i have to be kind to myself and accept that there is an overwhelming side to depression. The particular challenge for older adults is the sheer number of changes and transitions that start to occur—including children moving away, the loss of parents, friends, and other loved ones, changes to or the end of your career, declining health, and even loss of independence. Talk with your doctor if sadness keeps you from carrying on with your day-to-day life. Depression is much more profound, all-encompassing, and devastating than simply feeling sad. Certain medications and some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression. The biggest distinction between loneliness and depression is that depression is a mental health condition, while loneliness is a feeling that tends to weigh you down as pervasively as depression … 800-950-6264 (toll-free)www.nami.org, Mental Health America Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help, or ask a friend or family member to help you. You may need to try several different antidepressant medicines before finding one that improves your symptoms and has manageable side effects. The next step is talking about how you’re feeling and getting the support you need! Therefore, doctors may be less likely to recognize that their patient has depression. After a period of adjustment, many older adults can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression. This holiday season the number of people who will be stricken with depression is expected to increase due to COVID-19. Offers may be subject to change without notice. When you have depression, you have trouble with daily life for weeks at a time. This could be your primary doctor or a provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (a psychologist or psychiatrist). Pick something you like to do. You may be able to lower your dose or switch to another medication that doesnt impact your mood. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working. Depression among older people is often associated with physical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic pain; difficult life events, such as losing a partner; and a reduced ability to do things that were possible when younger. How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still, Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex, Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping, Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss, Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts, Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment. 800-799-4889 (TTY/toll-free)www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Here's What to Do, 9 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold, How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s, 12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder, Shannen Doherty Reveals Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis—Here's What It Means, The Best (and Worst) Diets of 2020, According to Experts, 10 Moves for a Cardio Workout at Home—No Equipment Required, These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body, 20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health. Changes in moods, health and life constantly disrupt us. Anxiety and depression are not a normal part of getting older even though it affects more people over the age of 55 than any other age. "I don't say the words 'depression,' 'drugs,' or 'therapy' if an older adult doesn't buy into the idea that they need help," he says. Get information from the CDC to help you cope with these feelings. Make a playlist of uplifting songs to listen to when you’re feeling down. Make sure all medications are taken as instructed. Use these strategies to manage the symptoms of depression, promote positive thinking, alleviate stress, and boost your self-esteem. Doctors explain how to tell if you have a head cold or something more serious that requires medical attention, such as the flu, strep throat, meningitis, or mono. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Five (5) Steps to Taming the Black Dog of Depression. Remember, with treatment, most people will begin to feel better. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Fortunately the National Institute of Health says depression is very treatable, with up to 80 percent of sufferers finding some relief within four to six weeks of getting medication or counseling. Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Let them know when you feel sad. They may have other, less obvious symptoms of depression, or they may not be willing to talk about their feelings. Getting Over Getting Older The fear of aging and why baby boomers are the victims of the anti-aging epidemic. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. Schedule regular social activities. For older adults who are already taking several medications for other conditions, it is important to talk with a doctor about any adverse drug interactions that may occur while taking antidepressants. When you and your doctor have decided it is time to stop the medication, usually after 6 to 12 months, the doctor will help you slowly and safely decrease your dose. Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you. A few months ago, I spent an afternoon helping out an art dealer friend at a print fair. Learn about talking with your doctor about sensitive subjects, including depression and mental health. 866-615-6464 (toll-free) Someone once said that getting older isn’t for cowards. we associate aging with disease, weakness, death, uselessness. Depression affects more than 6 percent of the adult population in the United States. Seeking help for depression Get help if you're still feeling down or depressed after a couple of weeks. Many times i have struggled with the guilt i always feel after failing to do the things am supposed to do, due to the weakness and "zoning out" that depression causes. Call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889). "Doing things for a depressed person is often not helpful at all, because it reinforces their perception that they are worthless and incapable," she says. Persistent depressive disorder is a depressed mood that lasts for at least 2 years. Quitting Smoking for Older Adults. "One of the hardest questions I get from families is, 'How can I get my elderly loved one mental health help when they don't want it?' You can refer yourself for psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling on the NHS. Disrupt us that may be making depression worse a condition called ischemia, weakness, death uselessness... 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