Some mood changes and negative feelings are quite typical among older adults, which is why depression in the elderly is often overlooked. Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. The elderly face additional risks related to depression, making it important to stay vigilant and check up on your older family members regularly.
The issue is even more prominent in Arkansas, ranked 45th among the US states for the health and well-being of older adults, according to a 2024 report by the United Health Foundation. Professional facilities, like Time Wellness Arkansas mental health hospitals in Arkansas, can support the elderly by providing mental health care when needed and treating elderly mood disorders with tailored treatments.
Signs of Depression in the Elderly
People face many new issues and problems in older age, most related to physical health and loneliness. Consequentially, older people can get sad, feel longing or nostalgia, and frequently grieve passing times. However, depression is not a normal part of aging, and the majority of the elderly feel satisfied with their lives.
It’s important to learn to recognize senior depression symptoms to provide adequate treatments and mental health care.
Common Symptoms of Depression in Seniors
Senior depression symptoms are very similar to symptoms of major depressive disorder in the general population, with a few specificities related to age. Here is the list of symptoms typical for late-life depression:
- Sadness or feelings of despair.
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
- Loss of self-worth (feeling of self-loathing or worries about being a burden).
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains.
- Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies.
- Weight loss or loss of appetite.
- Lack of motivation and energy.
- Sleep problems (oversleeping, daytime sleepiness, difficulty asleep or staying asleep).
- Slowed movement or speech.
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Fixation on death; thoughts of suicide.
- Difficulties concentrating and memory problems.
- Neglecting personal care (e.g., skipping meals, forgetting meds, neglecting personal hygiene).
Recommended: Am I Depressed? (Depression Self-Test)
How Depression Differs from Normal Aging
Due to many changes happening at older age, older adults can experience some negative changes in their ability to move, think, and remember. Negative events, such as coping with the loss of a loved one, are likely to strike them, causing sadness. While all these are natural and expected changes, persistent negative emotions that last several weeks and impact their usual daily functioning are not to be ignored.
Causes of Depression in the Elderly
Many factors can either cause or contribute to the development of depression at any age. A previous history of mental health issues, genes, medical conditions, or substance abuse problems is seen as a risk factor for developing elderly mental health issues. Older adults, however, are facing additional depression triggers that are more characteristic of this stage of life:
- Physical health conditions. Typically, older people face issues like chronic illnesses, disabilities, or persistent pain. Additionally, health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or mobility issues are frequent at later stages of life. All these problems create a psychological toll, negatively impacting mental health and contributing to other risk factors for developing geriatric depression.
- Life transitions and losses. Events such as the loss of a spouse, friends, or siblings are more typical at older age. Other transitions, like retirement, can also cause grief, a sense of isolation, loneliness, and depression in seniors.
- Social isolation. Social isolation is both a consequence of typical changes happening at older age and a factor contributing to depression in older adults. Due to mobility issues, poor health, or a shrinking social circle, many seniors find themselves in a situation of feeling socially isolated and alone.
Treatment Options for Depression in the Elderly
There’s more than one way of helping the elderly who struggle with depression. The majority will benefit from a specialized depression treatment Fayetteville AR, but certain lifestyle changes and the creation of a strong support network are also highly beneficial.
- Psychotherapy and counseling. Psychotherapy and counseling can help with depression and support overall mental health in the elderly. Evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help manage negative thoughts and stress and can also help develop healthy coping mechanisms. Both individual and group therapy can provide support and empowerment at older age and even contribute to a sense of lower social isolation.
- With Blue Cross Blue Shield mental health coverage and Cigna mental health coverage, you need not worry about the cost of psychotherapy, as mental health care is partially or fully covered, depending on your insurance plan.
- Medications. Antidepressants might be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression in the elderly. They balance brain chemicals affecting the mood. It is especially important to monitor antidepressant intake in the elderly, as they typically take other medicines as well.
- Lifestyle Changes. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can support the mental well-being of seniors. Maintaining a daily routine with regular movement (such as exercises or walks), a nutritious diet, and an appropriate sleeping schedule can significantly improve mood and overall mental health.
- Social network. One of the main factors contributing to poor mental health in older adults is social isolation. Therefore, building or reconnecting with the social network can reduce symptoms of depression in seniors and improve mood.
Tips for Supporting an Elderly Loved One with Depression
As an individual, family member, or friend, you can support struggling seniors in several ways:
- Open conversation. Talking about elderly mental health issues can be challenging, as they often do not recognize that they’re having a problem. Approach this topic with empathy and care, don’t be judgmental, and actively listen; you are likely to open a dialogue that can lead them to find support.
- Encourage seeking help. You can suggest reaching out to professionals and even help them find a facility, like Time Wellness Arkansas, that has experience working with the elderly experiencing depression.
- Build social connections. Help them reconnect with the community and encourage them to engage in light activities promoting socializing. Senior clubs and local events can be good places to start rebuilding social and supportive networks.
Conclusion
Remember, clinical depression in the elderly is not a normal occurrence coming with aging. If you notice symptoms of depression and seniors around you, reach out to them and offer your support. You can do that by encouraging them to seek professional help and guidance.
Time Wellness Arkansas has much experience helping the elderly who struggle with mental health issues. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide and how we can help anyone struggling with mental health.
References:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mental-and-emotional-health/depression-and-older-adults
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2024-senior-report