What is depression?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Tue, 09/03/2010 - 4:31pm

Older people can find it difficult to ask for help with depression

Depression is not a normal part of ageing. Unfortunately depression in older people often goes undetected.

Depression and ageing

Older people commonly experience many profound changes to their life. Losing a loved one, moving out of the family home and recovering from serious illness can leave someone feeling sad or anxious. Feeling down from time to time is normal.

Grieving is a natural reaction to loss and after some time most older people adjust and begin to feel better. Some people, however, lose all hope in life and feel sad all of the time. The way they feel has an effect on daily life and everyone around them. These feelings could be a sign of depression.

Depression is a medical condition that not only affects the quality of life of older people but their ability to care for themselves. Older people who are depressed can have problems maintaining personal hygiene, preparing nutritious meals or socialising with others. Depression can also lead to a rapid decline in a person's physical health.

Too often depression can go unnoticed. Many doctors fail to pick up on signs of depression as they tend to focus on a person's physical complaints.

Depression in older people can also be more difficult to detect as they are less likely to talk about their feelings openly. Some people fear becoming a burden on family and friends.

Sadly many residents of aged care homes may suffer from depression. If you have a loved one in residential care always be alert for signs of depression. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between signs of depression and other disorders such as dementia.

Fortunately depression can be treated. Finding the right kind of treatment for depression can sometimes take time. If left untreated depression can have serious consequences including suicide.

You can help an older person with depression by offering emotional support and practical help. Providing assistance with day to day tasks and accompanying a loved one to the doctors are positive ways to support a person with depression.

Causes of depression

Who can help?

A doctor is a good first port of call
Psychologists can help with psychotherapy and counselling
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained in mental health. A psychogeriatrician specialises in aged care.
An aged care psychiatric service attached to your nearest hospital
A community mental health service

Helpful resources

Lifeline a 24-hr counselling service 13 11 14
For information and advice about depression visit beyondblue at www.beyondblue.org.au or call their Infoline 1300 22 4636
The Black Dog Institute is an educational, research, clinical and community orientated facility for people and families living with depression and bipolar disorder.