Depression is a serious mood disorder. It can affect the way you feel, act, and think. Depression is a common problem among older adults, but clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems than younger people. However, if you’ve experienced depression as a younger person, you may be more likely to have depression as an older adult.
Depression is serious, and treatments are available to help. For most people, depression gets better with treatment. Counseling, medicine, or other forms of treatment can help. You do not need to suffer — help and treatment options are available. Talk with your doctor if you think you might have depression.
There are several types of depression that older adults may experience:
Major Depressive Disorder – includes symptoms lasting at least two weeks that interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – a depressed mood that lasts more than two years, but the person may still be able to perform daily tasks, unlike someone with Major Depressive Disorder
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder – depression related to the use of substances, like alcohol or pain medication
Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition – depression related to a separate illness, like heart disease or multiple sclerosis.
Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postmenopausal depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Find detailed descriptions of different types of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, tell someone who can help immediately.
Do not isolate yourself.
Call a trusted family member or friend.
Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help.
Make an appointment with your doctor.
Call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 800-799-4TTY (800-799-4889).
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
