Avoiding Depression in Older Adults (Excerpts National Institute on Aging)

Ever have down days? I think we all do. But continued and long term down days may be a sign of depression. Here are tips on detecting and coping with depression in the Excerpts National Institute on Aging

After you read about this article, feel free to share your experiences in this thread and how you or a friend are coping with depression.

What are risk factors of depression?

There are many things that may be risk factors of depression. For some people, changes in the brain can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event, like a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death. Sometimes, those under a lot of stress — especially people who care for loved ones with a serious illness or disability — can feel depressed. Others may become depressed for no clear reason.

Research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
• Genes – people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk
• Stress, including caregiver stress
• Sleep problems
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult
• Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
• Genes – people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk
• Stress, including caregiver stress
• Sleep problems
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult
• Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder

How do you know if you or your loved one may have depression? Does depression look different as you age? Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms than younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities. They may not be as willing to talk about their feelings.

The following is a list of common symptoms. Still, because people experience depression differently, there may be symptoms that are not on this list.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early in the morning, or oversleeping
• Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

If you have several of these signs and symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, talk with your doctor.

Supporting friends and family with depression

Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment from a doctor. While family and friends can help by offering support in finding treatment, they cannot treat a person’s depression.

As a friend or family member of a person with depression, here are a few things you can do:

• Encourage the person to seek medical treatment and stick with the treatment plan the doctor prescribes.
• Help set up medical appointments or accompany the person to the doctor’s office or a support group.
• Participate in activities the person likes to do.
• Ask if the person wants to go for a walk or a bike ride. Physical activity can be great for boosting mood.

Many people wonder if depression can be prevented and how they may be able to lower their risk of depression. Although most cases of depression cannot be prevented, healthy lifestyle changes can have long-term benefits to your mental health.

Here are a few steps you can take:

• Be physically active and eat a healthy, balanced diet. This may help avoid illnesses that can bring on disability or depression. Some diets — including the low-sodium DASH diet
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Stay in touch with friends and family.
• Participate in activities you enjoy.
• Let friends, family, and your physician know when you’re experiencing symptoms of depression.

(Excerpts National Institute on Aging)

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults