Depression in Seniors And How to Avoid It

Let’s dispel one myth: depression is not a normal part of aging. To be sure, many seniors go through short periods of sadness or grief, especially in time of loss. But persistent depression, the kind that gets in the way of your ability to function, needs immediate attention.

Depression is a medical condition not unlike hypertension or diabetes. There are causes—some genetic and some social—and there are ways to manage it.

Depression in Seniors: The Numbers

• According to the CDC, major depression in seniors affects from 1% to 5% of the U.S. population
• Only 10% of seniors receive treatment for depression
• For seniors who receive home healthcare, that number jumps to 13.5%; 11.5% for those in hospitals
• Depression is more common in seniors who have other illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. About 80% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition
• Thought only comprising 12% of the population, seniors account for 16% of suicide deaths
• According to the CDC, “Only about 30 percent of older depressed patients fully respond to a single antidepressant drug; 30 percent have a partial response; and 30 percent don’t respond at all.”

Why do Seniors Get Depressed?

The kids are grown. You have time for yourself. With age comes wisdom. Your “Golden Years” are supposed to be your happiest, right? Not always.

Health problems can easily send seniors into depression whether it’s a major illness like cancer or something chronic like diabetes.

• Feeling less purpose in life, particularly if you are no longer working
• Loneliness especially if your spouse has passed
• Fear of death and dying
• Financial troubles
• Grief from the loss of a loved one
• Alcohol abuse
• Lack of a social network
• Certain medications can increase the risks

Depressed older adults, like younger persons, tend to use health services at high rates, engage in poorer health behaviors, and evidence what is known as "excess disability." Depression is also associated with suicide. Older adults have the highest rates of suicide of any age group, and this is particularly pronounced among men.

Am I Depressed?

This should be obvious but it’s not. Sometimes the symptoms take hold very slowly. You begin to accept the feelings as normal and don’t realize there’s a problem. Here are some common signs, which will usually last for weeks or even months at a time.

• Feelings of hopelessness; seeing the future, even tomorrow, not as another day to live but as one to be dreaded
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and guilt
• Irritability
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
• Big changes in your routine—staying up late, getting up late
• Insomnia
• Changes in eating that result in weight loss/gain
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty focusing and/or concentrating

Ways to Fight Depression

There are a handful of treatments available to help control depression. Sometimes it takes experimenting with a combination—medications and counseling, for example—to find the right mix.

Antidepressant medicationsare the most common treatment with those called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) giving fewer side effects. You may need to try several kinds before finding the one that works best. Anti-depressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist.

Psychotherapy, when combined with antidepressants, seems to work the best for older adults. It includes approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which seeks to change the negative perceptions and thought patterns in patients.

Regular exerciseis highly effective for managing depression. A Duke University study found that exercising three times a week was more effective than antidepressants in relieving the symptoms of depression.

A University of California study found that Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese practice that involves slow movements, breathing and meditation, is very effective at fighting depression. After just 10 weeks of Tai Chi, 94% of seniors showed marked improvement in their depression.

Support groupssuch as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance ( dbsalliance.org ) can be effective because you are interacting with others in the same boat. Also, check out nami.org for support groups in your area.

Socialize. Even if you’re not terribly social, get out of the house. Go to a coffee shop and read a book. Sometimes just being around people is enough to make us feel better. Join a church. Go to your local senior center. Take classes at a college. Join a civic group. Do anything that will regularly get you out and around people.

Volunteeryour time. This will force you to be around others. And depending on where you volunteer (a homeless shelter, for example), the experience may make you feel fortunate to have the life you do.