The Power of Depression

As you search the web for information on depression in older adults, you will find so much information that it is hard to decipher what key points you should take away from it all and how exactly it relates to your specific situation.  Let me start by saying that each and every situation is specific. There is no one article that will relate exactly to your situation at hand and then lead you in a specific direction for treatment.   You need to look at your situation and apply what feels right to you and your loved one.

Depression is a very powerful condition that if left untreated will affect not only your mind but your physical health as well.  It can cause an onset of or worsening of dementia.  It can cause actual physical pain.  It can lead to immobility and falls.  It can lead to a failure to thrive.  It can lead to severe weight loss and loss of appetite.  The continuing downward spiral of health problems that will follow are inevitable.  Early treatment for depression is your best chance of getting it under control.

So how do you start to address this issue and decipher all that information you have read?  First and foremost, you and your loved one must be in contact with your older adult's physician to discuss these concerns.   A plan for treatment must begin there and be agreed upon.  Initially, you want to be absolutely sure that there is not an underlying medical illness afflicting your loved one.  Do not just assume that they are depressed.  If there are physical signs of decline, you want to be sure that you are not overlooking another illness.  The earlier the better is best if you suspect that an older adult is becoming depressed.

If you notice they are withdrawing from activities that they would normally attend or if they are neglecting their own physical appearance when they normally would not, you should take that as a sign that they are depressed.  These are 2 common early signs that they are feeling sad and lonely.   Trust your instincts; if this is someone close to you, you will see these signs easily but may avoid confronting them because confrontation is uncomfortable and can be unpredictable.  In the long run, though, by confronting these suspicions of depression early, it will make it that much sooner that they are feeling better again and can help to avoid further decline in their physical well being.

Treatment plans for depression in older adults will vary from person to person.  Some need the assistance of anti-depressants but the use of these medications must also be accompanied with other aspects of treatment.  For instance, if your loved one is lonely and isolated in their home, consider enrollment in a Senior Center or Adult Day Center that can provide a structured environment and interactions with their peers.   If your loved one has lost someone close to them due to death, consider counseling sessions or spending more time with them.   If your loved one has suffered from a stroke and is left with physical limitations, find ways for them to remain active and make adaptions so they can remain as independent as possible.  These are just examples; your situation is unique.  

Addressing what is causing the depression is the key factor that you should take away with you.  Determining what is causing the depression may be the most difficult part of the task; the help of a counselor can be beneficial with finding the answer to that.

The power of depression should not underestimated.  It cannot be addressed by just the caregiver.  The older adult themselves and other family members should be involved in discussions about their treatment.  The most important key to improvement is that they want to improve.  The more involved they are in making decisions about their care, the more likely they are to cooperate with the plan and be motivated to get better.

Understanding the power of depression in older adults helps maintain Aging with Ease!