Having seen and experienced so much in a lifetime, many older adults grow with age and gain wisdom. Your gains may contribute to your enthusiasm to look forward to more rewarding years where new experiences with grandchildren, novel interests and retirement await. A challenging past or worry over potential medical issues, solitude and/or financial troubles, however, can distort your views of your future. It is natural to have concerns about aging, however, you don’t want these concerns to overshadow your perspective. 

The transition into this new chapter in your life, may not always be easy. If you are experiencing growing physical concerns and dependence on others, you may also begin to feel sad, frustrated, helpless and even hopeless. It is important not to trivialize your feelings because it isn’t usual for anyone to feel this way, regardless of age. Aging does not have to bring on these feelings, you could be experiencing symptoms of geriatric depression.

What is Geriatric Depression?

Geriatric depression is a type of depression that affects seniors. Depression can affect you at any age, however, there are some factors that can make you more susceptible later in life. These factors can include chronic medical conditions and predispositions – genetic, emotional, biological, and environmental. If you have been affected by depression in your younger years or you are currently experiencing distress and/or major life changes you may be at higher risk.

Geriatric depression isn’t something to dismiss. According to Roose et al. of Psychology Today, the prevalence of MDD is 3 percent of community-dwelling adults over 60 years old, and 15 percent of older adults living in the community have clinically significant depressive symptoms. With increased awareness and population growth these numbers are likely to continue to grow. 

The Signs and Symptoms to Recognize

Depression is often missed in seniors. Their tendency to favor silence and solitude are often thought of as natural attributes of older adults, but not necessarily. Instead, such behaviors could indicate sadness, the hallmark symptom of depression. Depression among seniors may also have a different presentation This means that intense and persistent sadness may not be your symptoms. Rather, you may experience weariness, discouragement, sleeplessness, and/or physical pain. Unfortunately, these symptoms are nonspecific and do not directly indicate depression.

If you are experiencing a change in behavior or moods, or some somatic pain, you may want to look closer. The CDC shares these symptoms of geriatric depression to watch out for:

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not improve, even with treatment

Feel Good with Age

Never take geriatric depression lightly. Trivializing its impact on your health could have consequences. Depression is treatable at any age, however, ignoring symptoms will rarely lead to improvement. be the biggest mistake that you can commit during this time in your life. 

Depression can impact your cognitive sharpness, increasing your risk of memory-incapacitating conditions, such as dementia. The two conditions share certain common signs and symptoms – sluggish speech and movements, decline of cognitive capacities, and low motivation. It can be difficult to tell them apart, however, a trained professional can help. 

Break the Cycle: Finding the Help You Deserve

Geriatric depression can drive you to hopelessness and helplessness, leaving you feeling like nothing can help. The longer you wait to address symptoms of depression the worse it can get. You deserve to feel better and enjoy this phase of your life. Geriatric depression treatment is available. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with therapists who understand depression and how to move through it. These can be your golden years. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• Depression and Chronic Medical Disorders
• Depression: Can Different People Have Different Symptoms?
• Healing Reactive or Family Depression
• Bringing Back the Enjoyment Stolen By Depression