Depression in Seniors
Posted by Administrator in Mental Health.If You’re Over 65 And Feeling Depressed… You should know
DEPRESSION IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING
Growing old certainly involves a variety of life stressors that can lead to depression. Some people have trouble making the transition from full time productive careers to retirement. Others have been forced to retire because of chronic health problems or disability. For some, mounting medical bills threaten their future financial stability. The loss of a loved one, or serious illness in a lifelong friend, or in your spouse, can add tremendous caretaking responsibilities, and also creates much sadness. Lack of mobility, either due to physical illness, or loss of driving privileges, can result in social isolation and loneliness. All these factors can lead to depression.
However, despite these problems, most older people are satisfied with their lives. Depression is not normal, at any age. This page provides information about depression and older adults, and contains links to other pages with more general information about depression, treatment of depression, and descriptions and treatment of other psychological problems. The following topics are covered:
* What is depression? * Types of Clinical Depression * Depression Symptom Checklist * Depression and Medical Illness * Causes of Depression * Treatment for Depression * Psychotherapy * Medication * Where to Get Help * Advocacy Groups – More Information * Links to Other Psychological Topics
What is depression?
Most people think of depression only as sadness and a low mood, but clinical depression is far more than the ordinary “down” moods everyone experiences now and then. Sadness will pass after a visit with a friend or a good movie. Depression is also more than feeling sad or “down.” Depression affects our thinking, our emotions, our behavior and our physical health. You might feel down, or empty. Some people have difficulty remembering, or can’t make decisions like they once did. Many leisure activities just don’t interest you any more. You have aches and pains that keep coming back, and your physician can’t explain it. Depression, with many of these symptoms, that goes on and on and on for weeks and months is called clinical depression. Read more