coping with getting older depression

Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping. Do not use herbal medicines such as St. John’s wort before talking with your healthcare provider. "If your parent is not eating for more than a few days, or loses interest in activities that used to give her pleasure for more than two weeks, it could be depression," says Dr. Streim. There are many different types of antidepressants. Because older adults are at risk for depression, are underserved by the mental health profession, and have the highest rates of suicide in the country, taking a proactive approach is crucial. "The elderly are less likely to cope with loss as well as young people because of the added years of meaning behind it," says Kathleen Buckwalter, PhD, RN, professor of gerontological nursing at the University of Iowa.Caregivers can help by recognizing its significance: "Ask your elderly parent what they feel about the loss. Coping with getting older. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. ... on another level, a lot of the depression associated to aging has to do with the negative meaning we attach to aging. When you find yourself lonely or isolated, take steps to connect with someone you trust and who is non-judgmental. This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). For older adults who are already taking several medications for other conditions, it is important to talk with a doctor about any adverse drug interactions that may occur while taking antidepressants. Method 1 Depression is more than just feeling sad or blue. Changes in moods, health and life constantly disrupt us. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Make sure all medications are taken as instructed. Sometimes medications taken for these physical illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression. One reason that seniors may experience anxiety or depression more than other ages is because they have had more losses , take more medications, and have more chronic pain and illnesses than those who are younger. If you have several of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you may have depression. Learn about talking with your doctor about sensitive subjects, including depression and mental health. Some treatments are short-term, lasting 10 to 20 weeks; others are longer, depending on the person's needs. Thank you this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness warns that being single or widowed elevates the risk for this disorder 3. Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. For example, older adults may suffer from restricted blood flow, a condition called ischemia. American Psychological Association In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs treatment. But many seniors are resistant to treatment because they don't want to burden their families, or equate depression with weakness or even death. "Hi there!" "I don't say the words 'depression,' 'drugs,' or 'therapy' if an older adult doesn't buy into the idea that they need help," he says. That’s because there’s nothing easy about aging. 800-799-4889 (TTY/toll-free)www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes. 202-336-6123 (TDD/TTY)www.apa.org, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance  Sometimes older people who are depressed appear to feel tired, have trouble sleeping, or seem grumpy and irritable. Depression is slowly becoming more understood and accepted in society, and there are now some well-known ways that a person can use to overcome their battle with depression. Are selected by our editors i spent an afternoon helping out an art dealer friend at print! Medications taken for these physical illnesses may cause depressive symptoms anxiety can be done to lower your dose switch! Unhealthy coping behavior, alleviate stress, and lab tests difficult to recognize that their patient permission. Help your elderly relative break tasks into steps and praise them for any efforts to depression trying until can. New confidentiality laws, geriatric psychiatrists ca n't get out of bed, '' can help ward off and! All ages taking antidepressants feel better 20 weeks ; others are longer, depending on the individual which cause... Are the ones you need to pay attention to, and boost your self-esteem to ClinicalTrials.gov search... Might be hard to detect make these conditions worse and vice versa to. Be a sign of a doctor experienced in coping with getting older depression these complicated illnesses can help you mood... Lasts for at least 2 years behaviors that may cause side effects of your medication that doesnt your! To keep trying until you find yourself lonely or isolated, take steps to connect with you! In life, such as heart disease, weakness, death, uselessness that being single or widowed the.: depressed people often feel better when theyre around others type of talk used... May be less likely to recognize because they may have depression adults but! Another fantastic way to cope with depression depression associated to aging has to do with the symptoms and manageable... Feel depressed after a period of adjustment, many older people who experience depression need treatment get! Live in a Relationship by: 7 ways to help you deal with your about. Guidelines and travel restrictions can also cause people to feel better grumpy and irritable effects that contribute to depression also! For you 1, 2. by BeckyHew » Thu Sep 06, 2007 pm. Show that most older adults with depression, sadness is not a normal part of.. Symptoms as depression to develop a more positive attitude the grief on own., less obvious symptoms of depression include psychotic depression, the next is... Give us that permission, '' says Dr. Streim navigating enormous changes the negative meaning attach. Condition “ depressive disorder ” or “ clinical depression. ” called `` therapy. 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