Depression is a common mental health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, depression is especially common in elderly individuals. In fact, depression is the most common mental health disorder in people over the age of 65. If you are caring for an elderly loved one, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression so that you can get them the help they need. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of depression in elderly adults, as well as how to get help for them.
Contents
What Is Depression In The Elderly?
Depression in the Elderly is a mental health condition that is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can affect older adults at any stage of their lives, but it is most common in those who are retired or no longer working.
Symptoms
- fatigue
- aches and pains
- headaches
- changes in appetite
- slow movement
- gastrointestinal problems
- weight loss or gain
- trouble sleeping, either sleeping too much or having difficulty falling asleep
- living in isolation
- disinterest in hobbies that they used to enjoy
- feeling hopeless, helpless, and worthless
- thoughts of death or suicide
The above mentioned are some of the common symptoms of depression in elder people.
Causes
Elderly people may have a hard time adjusting to changes in their lives, such as a move to a new home or the loss of independence. Depression is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on an elderly person’s quality of life. There are several causes of depression in the elderly. Some major reasons are explained below:
Gender Responsibilities
Females experience continuous stress of caring for young children. Women who are responsible for caring for young children often have very little time for themselves, and this can lead to feelings of loneliness.
Another reason is the biological changes that occur during menopause. The hormonal changes that take place during menopause can cause a number of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, and irritability. These symptoms can be extremely debilitating and can lead to Depression.
Abuse is another significant factor that can lead to depression in the elderly. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It is often perpetrated by family members or caregivers and can have a devastating impact on the victim. 
Elder men may also be the victims. Men often have more responsibilities than women, and they may feel like they have to do everything perfectly. If something goes wrong, they may blame themselves and feel like they are not good enough. This can lead to depression. Another factor is retirement. It is the time when men suddenly have a lot of free time, and they may not know what to do with themselves. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can trigger depression.
Being Single, Divorced, Or Widowed
Being single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can trigger depression. Elderly people who live alone are especially at risk for depression, as they may not have anyone to talk to or confide in on a regular basis.
Furthermore, the loss of a partner can be a significant source of stress for older adults and can lead to depression. Living without a soulmate can make it hard to maintain a sense of purpose, as many couples rely on each other for support and encouragement.
Lack Of A Supportive Social Network
While there are many factors that can contribute to depression in older adults, one of the most important appears to be social isolation. The elderly are more likely to suffer from depression if they lack a supportive social network. When we’re younger, we have friends and family to rely on for support. But as we get older, our social networks tend to shrink. This can leave us feeling isolated and alone. Besides, elder people have a harder time making friends and keeping in touch with family. They may live alone or be widowed, and their children may live far away. As a result, they can feel cut off from the world.
Stressful Life Events
Depression in the elderly is often precipitated by stressful life events. The death of a spouse, for example, can be a very stressful event that leads to depression. Other stressful life events that can lead to depression in the elderly include retirement and financial problems.
Depression in the elderly can also be caused by medications that are prescribed for other conditions. For example, some medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause depression. Depression in the elderly is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is because many of the symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and insomnia, are also common among older adults. Depression in the elderly can also be mistaken for dementia.
Fear Of Death
Depression in the elderly is often caused by a fear of death. This can be due to a number of factors, such as the loss of a loved one, retirement, or health problems. When someone is facing their own mortality, it is natural to feel scared and overwhelmed. Depression can set in when these fears are not properly dealt with.
Presence Of Chronic Or Severe Pain
The relationship between pain and depression is bidirectional. Depression can lead to increased perception of pain, while chronic or severe pain can lead to depression. There are a number of mechanisms by which chronic or severe pain can lead to depression.
First, chronic or severe pain can result in reduced activity levels and social isolation, both of which are risk factors for developing depression. Second, chronic or severe pain can interfere with sleep, which has also been linked to an increased risk of developing depression. Finally, the experience of chronic or severe pain itself can be depressing, leading to a negative spiral in which pain leads to depression, which then leads to an increased perception of pain.
Disability
Those who suffer from any disability may be more likely to suffer from depression than those who were not disabled.
One reason is that being disabled can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness. When someone is unable to do the things they used to do, they may feel like they are no longer part of the world around them. This can lead to feelings of depression.
Another reason why disability may lead to depression in the elderly is that it can be very difficult to adjust to a new way of life. When someone becomes disabled, they often have to give up a lot of the things they used to do. This can be a very difficult adjustment to make, and it can lead to feelings of sadness.
As we age, our bodies go through changes that can sometimes result in physical limitations. For some people, these changes mean having to give up favorite activities or not being able to do things they once enjoyed. This can lead to feelings of frustration, and even depression.
Consequences
There are many complicated consequences that come with depression in elderly people. Many of them are as follows:
A Risk To Daily Living
Depression in the elderly is a serious problem that can lead to many risks to daily living. For example, depression can lead to a loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, and even thoughts of suicide. If you are an elderly person experiencing any of these symptoms. Left untreated, depression can have a devastating impact on your quality of life.
Insufficiency Of Critical Components
Depression in the elderly can lead to an insufficient intake of a balanced diet for a number of reasons. First, depression can cause a loss of appetite. When someone is not interested in food, they are less likely to eat enough of the nutrients their body needs.
Second, depression can also lead to isolation. Those elder people are at high risk of depression and may not have anyone to cook for them or help them shop for groceries. As a result, they may not have access to fresh, healthy food. Finally, depression can cause fatigue and sleep problems, which can make it difficult for elderly people to prepare meals or get out to the store. All of these factors can contribute to an unbalanced diet and malnutrition in the elderly population.
Lack Of Calm And Peace
Depression in the elderly can lead to a lack of calm and peace for a number of reasons. First, depression can cause anxiety and worry. When someone is constantly worrying, they are not able to relax and enjoy life. Second, depression can lead to insomnia or disturbed sleep, which can make it difficult to get rest and feel refreshed. Finally, depression can cause physical aches and pains, which can make it difficult to find comfort. All of these factors can contribute to a feeling of unrest and agitation in the elderly population.
For example, depression can lead to social isolation and loneliness, as well as increased anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Depression can also make it difficult for individuals to take care of their health, which can lead to further complications such as heart disease or stroke.
These are just a few examples of how depression in the elderly can lead to problems with nutrition and sleep.
Solutions
If the condition of an elderly loved one concern you, be sure to talk to their doctor. Depression is treatable, and there are many resources available to help those suffering from it. With proper diagnosis and treatment, your loved one can live a full and happy life.
Seeking Professional Treatments 
Depression, in all of its shapes and forms, can be alleviated. If an elder in your family is suffering from depression, make an appointment to see your physician or healthcare provider right away.
A doctor can eliminate some of your symptoms through a physical examination, knowledge of your health and personal history, and lab testing. If the doctor discovers there is no medical condition causing the sadness, he could recommend a psychological evaluation and suggest you see a mental health professional complete this assessment. This test will help determine the diagnosis and treatment strategy. Some professional methods to cure depression in the elderly include:
- Psychotherapy, sometimes known as “talk therapy,” helps a person understand and change negative feelings, ideas, and behaviors. A psychologist, an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), a psychiatrist, or another qualified mental health specialist may conduct it. Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are two psychotherapeutic modalities that are particularly effective in treating depression.
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS), which uses magnets to stimulate the brain, is a non-invasive therapy that does not require an anesthetic. RTMS only affects specific regions of the brain and helps to reduce side effects such as tiredness, nausea, and memory loss that can occur with ECT.
- Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT), is a method in which electrodes are placed on a person’s head to allow for a safe, mild electric current to pass through the brain. If none of the aforementioned therapies has helped a patient’s illness, this therapy is typically only used as a last resort.
- Medications help balance hormones that impact mood, such as serotonin. There are different kinds of antidepressant medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants often given to older people.
Self Care Tips
There are a number of self-care tips that can help to cure depression in the elderly. One of the most basic things that may help in this regard are:
Engaging With Life
Ensure that the elderly person stays active and engaged with life. This may involve joining social clubs or groups, taking up new hobbies or activities, or simply spending time with friends and family. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise, as this can help to improve mood and energy levels.
Having Enough Sleep
Another self-care tip that can be useful for depression in the elderly is to make sure that they get enough sleep. This means avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, as well as making sure that the bedroom is dark and quiet. Exercise can also help to improve sleep quality, so it is important to try and get some physical activity every day.
Spending Time In The Fresh Air
Being cooped up indoors can make depression worse, so it is important to get outside and spend time in natural surroundings. This could involve going for walks, sitting in the park, or simply spending time in the garden. Talk to someone who will understand: It can be helpful to talk to somebody who understands what you are going through, whether this is a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking openly about depression can help to ease symptoms and make it easier to manage.
Taking A Break
A break from work, social obligations, and other responsibilities may be beneficial. A few hours out of each day to relax and rejuvenate can make a big difference. depression in the elderly. Finally, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be helpful in promoting better sleep.
Seeking Emotional Support
It is also important to provide emotional support for elderly people who are suffering from depression. This may involve simply listening to them talk about their problems, offering encouragement and reassurance, or helping them to find ways to cope with difficult emotions. By providing this emotional support, you can play a vital role in helping them to overcome depression.
While it can be difficult to broach the subject, it is important to remember that depression is a real and serious condition, and the suffered needs treatment. With the right support, many elderly people can successfully overcome depression and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
Depression in the elderly is a real problem. Depression is hard to spot in elderly people because they tend to downplay their symptoms or outright deny them. Be proactive in trying to help an elderly person with depression. As it can lead to dangerous consequences if left untreated. Elders are our responsibility and we should do everything in our power to help them through their darkest times. Help your elderly loved ones get the treatment they need to live happy and healthy lives. Ensure their safety by being there for them during their time of need.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. If you have any queries regarding Online Depression Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Depression Therapy session
