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Although depression is not a normal part of aging many older adults experience depression and it is often gone unrecognized and untreated. With diagnosis and treatment depression can be treated and the person can again enjoy life. Depression is a growing undiagnosed problem with older adults and many older people may not know that they are depressed. When an older adult goes to the doctor, the reported symptoms are usually physical complaints Few physicians specialize in older adult medicine, much less in asking the right questions to help determine if the person is depressed. A growing number of medical professionals are working to identify and treat depression. They also recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness. Loss is often the cause for depression. Dealing with loss often becomes part of everyday life for many older adults: loss of loved ones; loss of familiar surroundings, loss of health and mobility; loss of purpose due to retirement or being unable to do things that the person has done most of his or her life; and many other losses. The most important part of helping someone who may be depressed is to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and get help. Signs & Symptoms
· A change in usual behavior and mood. · Loss of joy in everyday activities, family, and friends. · Withdrawing from friends and family. · Inability to make decisions · Physically sluggish. · Sleep: not being able to sleep or sleeping all the time. · Increased anxiousness. · Comments that everyone would be better off without them. Take these statements seriously as they may indicate that the person is suicidal. · In severe cases of depression, thinking may be affected and the person may believe what is not real to others
Just because someone has these symptoms does not mean that they are depressed. These symptoms can be signs of other problems but if you observe a number of these symptoms it is time to take action.
How can Family Caregivers get help? · Pay attention and look for changes and the symptoms listed above. · Express concern: “Mom, I have noticed that you are tired more often and you don’t seem to laugh as often as you used to. I am concerned about your health. Have you told the doctor about this? How about we go to see him together? · Encourage the person to go to the doctor and go with them, when possible, to make sure that the person reports everything that they are experiencing. · Make sure that the doctor knows about medications, over the counter drugs and vitamin supplements and herbal remedies. · Taking the medications or a list of all-current to the doctor is always a good idea. · Observe and report use of alcohol, especially when the person is taking other medications. · Ask the doctor about drug interactions and provide him or her with any information that you have read about it. · Also, check with a pharmacist about possible drug interactions. Some people see more than one doctor.
Remember that many signs of depression are also normal signs of grief and people deal with differently. Caregivers, other family members, and friends need to step in when behavior and feelings interfere with being able to enjoy life.
How can Family Caregivers and others help with managing depression? · Give it some time. Medications take time to become effective and some depression improves over time with or without medications. · Offer emotional support through understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. · Talk to the person and listen carefully. · Help the older adult to return to hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities and other pleasures they have enjoyed but do not push the person to undertake too much too soon. · Invite the person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused but don’t insist. · Don’t expect him or her "to snap out of it."
Eventually, with treatment and the concern of family and friends, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.
Turn to the Area Agency on Aging for Help and Referral In the community, call the Area Agency on Aging by calling 2-1-1. Staff many recommend that you contact the Mental Health Association or the local Mental Health Mental Retardation center. You can contact these organizations by calling 2-1-1 also.
For more information about depression, go to these online resources:
Family Caregivers Online sponsored by three area agencies on aging where you will find online education about older adult depression, links, and other helpful information · www.familycaregiversonline.com
National Institute of Mental Health NIH Publication No. 00-3561/Printed 2000 website at · www.minh.nih.gov/publicat/depressions.cfm |
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