It has become apparent over the past few weeks that there has been no better time to have a discussion about this topic than the present. The current COVID-19 environment has isolated so many elderly individuals to an even more dramatic effect, which has had elderly depression on the rise. A reasonably frequent issue for elders is the persistent feeling of sadness felt by the older community. We see this start to rise fairly dramatically. And the expectation of that number during this COVID-19 crisis being exponentially higher is already being recognized.
WHAT IS ELDERLY DEPRESSION
Also called Geriatric Depression, it is classified as a mental and emotional disorder affecting the elderly. It is common for seniors or other individuals, for that matter, to experience sadness occasionally. Especially where the loss of partners, changes in cognitive or physical abilities, and entering a new environment are prominent. Where things become concerning and are more likely to be a form of clinical depression is when this feeling of grief or sadness does not go away on its own. When it lasts for several months, it will need to be treated by professionals.
Depression is not an unavoidable part of getting older. There are variations in types of depression, and most older individuals are more likely to suffer from what is called subsyndromal depression. This would be classified as a significantly less severe type, but it could lead to what is considered major depression with the exhibition of significant levels of depressive symptoms if left untreated.
Unfortunately, elderly individuals tend to downplay any indication that they are suffering from depression. They feel that being diagnosed can have very negative consequences, whether actual or perceived. If not addressed, senior depression can reduce the quality of life and increase the risk of death.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
There are many treatment options, and every individual is different. It will take a specialist to determine the right treatment or combination of procedures for your unique situation.
MEDICATION
Medication doesn’t work for all. And some data concludes that only around 50% respond to this type of treatment. That said, for those it does work for, it does so fantastically. Drug type and dosage must be properly administered in order to have a positive effect. It has been stated that it generally works the best in combination with psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Some medications that are used include:
Mirtazapine
tricyclic antidepressants
Bupropion
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Multiple variations of serotonin inhibitors
LIFESTYLE
There are a wide array of lifestyle changes that may have a dramatic effect on depression, and more specifically, subsyndromal or minor depression symptoms. Some care facilities or care services such as Blossoms Senior Care Inc. put an enormous am0unt of emphasis on improved lifestyle. Elderly individuals deserve to enjoy life, so why not give them every opportunity to do so.
Some lifestyle changes that can be used include:
Get out of the home or care home!
Increase the amount of physical activity
Have regular companionship
Get adequate sleep and eat well
Focus on an interest or hobby
Blossoms Senior Care helps individuals implement changes like these regularly seeing exorbitantly positive results.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy has a long history of success. And although processes, philosophies, and tactics differ, this is the most effective and commonly used treatment for depression. Talking helps. They can be encouraged to move forward, helped through comprehension of their situation, and consoled through grief.
ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS
For severe cases of depression, there are more advanced treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy. Generally, these additional treatments are saved for individuals who experience further psychosis or schizophrenia, along with their depression. If performed correctly, it is a very safe and effective procedure.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF SENIOR DEPRESSION?
If you are concerned about a parent, friend, or other loved one, make sure you are diligently paying attention to these symptoms and potential causes.
Symptoms
General Prolonged Sadness - Someone suffering from depression will start to exhibit signs of general sadness or ‘feeling blue’. If this is short lived, it is most likely a momentary and very normal expression of the emotion. If it is prelonged, it may be indicating something more.
Reluctance to communicate - Have you noticed that your loved one is no longer initiating conversation and starting to recluse into solitude? This may be a sign they are feeling saddened.
Fatigue - Elders can feel fatigued as a normal part of getting older. But if the fatigue seems to be on-going or much more than usual then it may be a symptom of something else.
Irritable - Is your usually happy loved one starting to be less interested in friendly communication? Are they easily annoyed? Irritability is a common side effect.
Social Withdrawal - Is your loved one making excuses continuously to get out of social events? Social withdrawal is a natural action that individuals living with depression take. If it has happened suddenly, this is a cause of concern.
Sleep Issues and Restlessness - Regardless of age, depression tends to wreak havoc on sleep patterns which in turn causes restlessness. If you are noticing this in your loved one do not delay in getting it treated. If left alone, it can have very negative consequences.
Increased Body Pain - Depression has been linked to an increase in physical pain. It tends to have an amplification effect on pain anywhere in the body.
Decrease of Self Care - One of the most common signs of depression is a rapid decrease in self-care. They stop caring about their appearance and hygiene. They seem to care less.
Causes
Bereavement - One of the most common reasons for depression is grief. They are at a very high risk of diving into a depressive state after the loss of a spouse or close family member.
Illness, Surgery, or Change in Medication - Elders recovering from surgery or illness are very likely to develop depression. Many medications and changes in medicinal drugs can also cause adverse effects. It is vital to always be on the alert with pharmaceutical changes.
Chronic Medical Conditions - Anyone who has dealt with a chronic medical condition will fully understand this cause. It can be exhausting dealing with your body, not functioning as it should.
Isolation - During the recent pandemic, this has come to the forefront. Isolation and loneliness are extremely hard on elderly individuals who are confined to pass this time alone. Some care homes and hospitals have been reporting an increase in deaths during this time.
Financial - Financial burdens can be too much to bear for some individuals. When living out the last years of life, one does not desire to need to worry about money.
Limited Mobility - Lack of ability to do what one has done for the entirety of their life can have detrimental effects on their mood. Working with therapies to help improve mobility can be a very valuable countermeasure.
Thankfully, most depressed elders recover on their own without any clinic intervention. But a large percentage will need medical or psychological assistance. If you suspect depression in your loved one, do not hesitate to get help. It may be the difference between life and death.
DON’T DELAY, GET HELP NOW!
Don’t let it continue. If you think your parent, partner, loved one is dealing with depression or a depressive episode, be sure to act swiftly. The sooner it can be addressed, the sooner they will be on the road to recovery.
Talk to our team today to learn more about elderly depression and solutions. If you are concerned for a loved one, be sure to act swiftly. Early detection can be the key!