End The Stigma: Battling depression and aging

Depression is a treatable condition and it is not part of the normal aging process. However, older adults are at an increased risk for depression. Approximately 80% of aging adults have a chronic health condition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 50% have two or more conditions.

Depression is common in older adults who suffer from physical illnesses such as cancer, chronic pain, heart disease, etc., or whose functioning becomes limited. Often times physicians treating the elderly see these issues as a natural reaction to the illness, rather than as depression and something that can be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don’t understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.

So how many elderly adults are depressed? The good news is that the majority of elderly adults are not depressed. According to the CDC, “Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospitalized patients.”

For aging adults who are depressed, how to get help is important. Unfortunately, in addition to failing to recognize symptoms of depression, many don’t take the steps necessary to get the help they need. Some additional reasons that are often overlooked are, as mentioned before, some assume that depression is just part of aging, they are isolated with few people around to notice they are in emotional distress, they do not realize that some of the physical complaints can actually be signs of depression, they are reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help, they feel a reduced sense of purpose, and they feel as though they are a burden to others, so they remain silent.

It’s important to realize that depression isn’t an inevitable part of getting older, nor is it a weakness or a character flaw. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter your background or your previous accomplishments in life. Significant life events happen as you age, such as retirement, the death of loved ones and physical decline, but it doesn’t have to keep an individual down. No matter what challenges are faced as one ages, there are steps that can be taken to feel happy and hopeful once again.

Here are some tips to help aging adults that might be experiencing depression:

*Reach out and stay connected. Support definitely matters. If you can’t get out and socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.

*Try to get out of the house. Go to the park, visit a friend, go to the salon, have lunch with a friend, etc.

*Consider getting a pet. A pet can keep you company and keep you active.

*Find some purpose in your life after retirement. Focus on the things you can do, develop a new skill, travel, volunteer in your community, do arts and crafts, etc. The purpose is to find activities that are meaningful and enjoyable.

*Move your body. Even small movements can help such as parking a little further away at the grocery store, doing light housework, or gardening. Safe exercises that can help build strength. Also get quality sleep, nutrition and spend some time in the sunshine.

*And lastly, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Seek supportive therapy and support groups. Therapy helps work through stressful life changes, heal from losses, and process difficult emotions. It can definitely help improve your mental wellbeing so you can enjoy your senior years.