Program & Services

Depression in Later Years

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FACE IT ALONE

Older Adults and Depression

How do people view getting older? Is it spending more time in the garden, on the golf course, or with family and friends? There are many changes come with getting older. Older adults often have to deal with the death or illness of a spouse, other family members and friends. They may think they do not have a sense of purpose or have enough to do. They also may have health problems. Or, they might not be able to do things they used to do.

Dealing change can be hard. Many older adults get depressed. This makes it difficult to enjoy life. Some illnesses make it more likely that a person will get depressed. This is not a normal part of aging. Help is available. You do not have to face your problems alone.

Facts about Depression

• It is the most common problem in adults 65 and older.¹
• It is a serious problem. It needs treatment. It does not go away on its own.
• It is often not noticed by others.
• It is often not correctly diagnosed by providers.
• Personal loss, constant pain or health problems can make it worse.

Am I Depressed?

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. In the past month, have I often felt down, depressed or hopeless?
2. In the past month, have I often had little interest or happiness in doing things?

Did you answer "yes" to either of the questions? You may be depressed. Contact your health care provider for a check up.

Signs of Depression

Common signs of depression include:

• Always feeling sad or empty.
• Loss of interest in things you used to like to do.
• Weight gain or weight loss that is not on purpose.
• Slowed movement or feeling restless.
• Too much or not enough sleep.
• Loss of energy.
• Feeling worthless or guilty much of the time.
• Being unable to think, remember things or make decisions.
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment Is Available

The most common treatments for depression are:

• Talk Therapy. This means talking with a counselor about ways to deal with the challenges in your life. Research shows that it does not take very long for most people to feel better.
• Medicine. Medicines for depression are very helpful. Most people will start to feel better in a few weeks.
• Or both. Talking and medicine can be better than either one by alone.

There are also other kinds of care. Ask your provider about them.

What Should I Do If I Think I'm Depressed?

Follow these steps:

1. Make a list. Write down any signs of depression you have. Write down your questions about depression and its treatment.
2. Talk with a health care provider. Plan a visit with your health care provider or a mental health professional. Share your list of signs and questions about depression. Tell them about any medicines you are taking.
3. Choose the right treatment. Ask your health care provider to tell you about the risks and benefits of treatment. Also ask about the type of treatment that is most likely to help you.
4. Learn more. Your provider or local mental health association can tell you where to find more information. You can also get information from:
   • National Mental Health Association, 1-800-969-NMHA (6642) or www.nmha.org
   • National Institute of Mental Health, 1-800-421-4211 or www.nimh.nih.gov
   • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, www.dbsalliance.org
5. Tell your provider how you are doing. Once you are in treatment, make sure your provider knows if you are feeling better or worse. Ask questions about how you are doing. Do not stop taking any medicine when you start to feel better. Never stop taking medicine without talking with your doctor first.

For More Information

• National Mental Health Association, 1-800-969-NMHA (6642) or www.nmha.org
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 1-800-950-6264 or www.nami.org
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, www.dbsalliance.org
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1-800-421-4211 or www.nimh.nih.gov

GET HELP RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE THINKING OF HURTING YOURSELF OR OTHERS

¹National Institute of Mental Health.