Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly emotion by emotion.
“I am an elderly with depression…help!” You don’t hear those words from too many elders (or anyone) because the way they are feeling, they think it’s normal or thier embarrassed.
“That’s just life!” Not if it lasts longer than normal depression or it begins to interfere with your daily routine.
Years ago, when I was a teenager, I refused to believe that I had depression because of all the turmoil going on at home with my mother. When I moved out, I was fine (or so I thought).
But it reared its ugly head again a few years after I got married. So did the bipolar. I couldn’t escape it this time.
Between loosing the house and getting a divorce, the schizophrenia showed up too. I’m in a good place now and my life would be different if I hadn’t gone through all that.
So, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. Never regret your past if you’re in good standings today.
Depression in Elderly Parents
If your elder parent has depression, you can’t treat it like it doesn’t exist. Or shy away from that person. That’s not how it is supposed to work.
You need to help them because they don’t know any different. Like I said, they just think it’s part of life. Especially if they’ve never had it before.
My mom had dementia along with schizophrenia and depression. Towards the end when she became really bad, we just stayed out of her line of fire.
She was a very angry person and took it out on anyone that was in her way. She needed help but wouldn’t ask for it.
I don’t know what happened for her to calm down, but she ended up in a nursing home. She lost her spirit and then her life. So, make sure you help your parents as they age.
Signs of Depression in Elderly
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly one sign at a time.
Depression in older adults can present differently than in younger people, and it can be difficult to identify. Some signs of depression in older adults include:
- Persistent mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time
- Loss of interest: No longer enjoying activities that were previously pleasurable
- Physical symptoms: Unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, weight loss, or changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances: Having trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping
- Cognitive difficulties: Having trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide: Thinking about death or suicide, or having attempted suicide
- Social withdrawal: Wanting to stay home instead of going out
- Personality changes: Experiencing memory difficulties or personality changes
Depression is not a normal part of aging, and it’s important to seek help if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms.
Physical Effects of Depression in Older Adults
I want to delve into the physical effects a little more in depth. Given that, Depression can have many physical effects on older adults, including:
- Pain: Physical aches and pains, such as joint pain, back pain, or headaches, are common symptoms of depression in older adults.
- Fatigue: Depression can cause fatigue, loss of energy, or psychomotor activity changes.
- Sleep problems: Depression can cause trouble sleeping.
- Appetite changes: Depression can cause loss of appetite or significant weight loss or gain.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Depression can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Depression can also cause other symptoms, including:
- Memory difficulties or personality changes
- Suicidal thinking or feelings
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- Moving more slowly
- Not enjoying activities they used to
Depression After Stroke in Elderly
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly after having a stroke.
Nonetheless, depression is a common complication after a stroke, and it can have a significant impact on the recovery and well-being of stroke survivors.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and to seek treatment as soon as possible.
| Depression after a stroke | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide |
| Risk factors | Age and sex are the most studied risk factors |
| Impact | Can prevent proper physical recovery, and can lead to worse rehabilitation outcomes and a higher risk of mortality |
| Treatment | Antidepressive agents, such as citalopram and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors |
Depression can be caused by biochemical changes in the brain after an injury, and it’s often accompanied by anxiety.
It’s important to take any signs seriously, especially if they persist for longer than two weeks or are accompanied by thoughts of harm.
Depression can be difficult to identify and diagnose in elderly stroke patients because of overlapping signs and symptoms.
Also vague symptoms, and a lack of properly trained health care personnel.
Depression About Aging
They call it the Golden Years, but for some, it is anything but. I don’t want to get older to the point where I can;t move around without assistance.
I don’t want to depend on 24/7 care. But sadly, that’s what’s going to happen. I try to focus day by day and not focus too much on the future.
If you’re an active senior, I praise you. You are the epidemy of life. You don’t let aging factor into your way of life.
For those that aren’t so willing to embrace life, there is help. Talk to family and friends about your situation and the trouble you’re having. Don’t try to hide it.
If your able, try to spend as much time outdoors (especially on sunny days) doing things you love. It will enlighten your spirit and mood.
Depression in Elderly Treatments
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly by affective treatments. There are many different treatments for depression for the elderly. Here are some examples.
Therapy for Elderly Depression
There are several types of therapy that can help with depression in older adults, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A widely studied form of psychotherapy that can help replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.
CBT can be effective for mild to moderate depression, and may have longer-lasting effects than medication.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Focuses on improving relationships and communication skills to help with depression. IPT may be combined with a second-generation antidepressant.
Problem-Solving Therapy
An evidence-based psychotherapy that can help with depression for the elderly.
Reminiscence Therapy
Involves discussing memories and past experiences with the help of prompts like music or photographs.
Other treatments for depression in older adults include:
- Exercise
- Bright light therapy
Psychotherapy can be provided by a licensed mental health care professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker.
The choice of therapy is often based on the patient’s preferences and the availability of clinicians with the right training.
Safe Antidepressants for Elderly
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly by safe and effective antidepressants.
When choosing an antidepressant for an elderly patient, you can consider things like:
Drug Interactions
SSRIs like sertraline and escitalopram are often first-line treatments because they have a low risk of drug interactions.
Side Effects
Newer antidepressants like bupropion, mirtazapine, moclobemide, and venlafaxine have fewer anticholinergic effects than older antidepressants, making them better tolerated by people with cardiovascular disease.
Dosing
Older adults typically start with a dose of 12.5 or 25 mg and then increase it to reach an effective dose.
Monitoring
Healthcare providers may monitor blood pressure, blood volume, and side effects more closely in elderly patients.
Other antidepressants that may be safe for the elderly include:
- Lithium: A mood stabilizer that may also help prevent dementia
- Buspirone (Buspar): An anti-anxiety medication that can help relieve short-term anxiety symptoms
- Doxepin: An oral medication that has not shown any geriatric-specific problems
- Agomelatine: May help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia without adversely affecting cognition
Which Class of Antidepressants Should be Avoided in Older Adults?
Older adults should generally avoid tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) due to their high risk of side effects like sedation, postural hypotension, and anticholinergic effects.
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly by avoiding the wrong meds.
This can be particularly dangerous for the elderly population; making them not the first choice for depression treatment in older individuals.
Key points about TCAs and older adults:
- Side effects: Can cause dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention, and increased fall risk due to low blood pressure upon standing.
- Cardiac concerns: May worsen pre-existing heart conditions due to their impact on cardiac conduction.
Natural Remedy for Depression in Elderly
Some natural remedies for depression in the elderly include:
- Saffron: A clinical study found that saffron extract was effective in treating mild to moderate depression in adults and older people.
- Light therapy: A study found that light therapy improved depressive symptoms in elderly people in rehabilitation.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can increase endorphins, which can improve mood.
- Meditation: Meditation can help with stress and anxiety.
- Massage: Massage can improve depression symptoms by releasing serotonin and dopamine, and decreasing cortisol.
- Yoga: Yoga can improve overall wellbeing by teaching you how to hold your body in a way that makes you feel stronger.
- Deep breathing: Focusing on taking slow, deep breaths can help with depression.
- Socializing: Spending time with good friends or interacting with pets can improve mood.
Other natural supplements that may help with depression include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Ginkgo biloba
- SAMe
- St John’s wort
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin D
- Huperzine
- Coconut oil
Before taking any supplements, you should research them, make sure you’re buying them from a reputable company, and talk to your health care provider.
Some supplements can interact with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions.
What Happens to Elderly People With Untreated Depression?
Untreated depression can have many negative effects on older adults, including:
Health
Depression can lead to poor health, and worsen the health of people with chronic diseases. It can also increase the risk of premature death and suicide.
Cognitive Function
Depression can impair thinking, memory, and decision-making.
It can also lead to changes in brain size, particularly in the hippocampus, which impacts memory and emotions.
Daily Life
Depression can make it harder to function and enjoy life. It can lead to a loss of interest in activities, and a retreat from social interaction and physical activities.
Sleep
Depression can cause insomnia. I know insomnia all to well. For the past few years, I’ve had touble sleeping. But when I did fall asleep, I would sleep half the day away.
Eating Habits
Depression can lead to obesity or loss of appetite and diminished energy levels. I went on the obesity end. I started eating sweets like they were going out of style.
Reaction Times
Depression can lead to longer reaction times, which can be dangerous when cooking, driving, or taking medication.
Assistance
People with depression often need more help with self-care and daily activities. That unfortunately will be me in the future because of Parkinson’s disease..
Recovery From Physical Disorders
People with depression often recover more slowly from physical disorders.
Depression can be chronic and recurrent if left untreated. It can also be more difficult to treat with medication in the future.
Depression is less common in older adults than in younger adults, but it can be difficult to recognize. Some reasons for this include: Stigma associated with depression, Lack of recognition, and False beliefs that depressive symptoms are part of natural aging.
Sum It All Up
Beyond the smile: unmasking depression in the elderly by helping them when they’re in need.
If you know of a senior who is suffering from depression, please try to help them in any means possible. I’m sure they would be grateful.
Don’t let depression in the elderly go untreated because it only hurts them in the long run. It can also increase the risk of premature death and suicide.
If you have an elder parent with depression, gently guide them to see their doctor as soon as possible. Depression is not something to be messed with.
I should know because I denied having it for many years. I believed I shouldn’t have been on any meds because there was nothing wrong with me.
Consequently, I learned my lession real quick with a suicidal attempt. So, don’t ignore the symptoms and get treatment. Peace and always love. Until next time…
Articles About Depression In The Elderly
-Untreated Depression
https://www.webmd.com/depression/untreated-depression-effects
-Natural Treatments For Depression: Are They Affective?
-Do antidepressant medications increase the risk of dementia in older adults?
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice For The Depressed Elderly”
“Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind. You just got to be careful not to touch it where it hurts. It’s always there, though.” ― Jeffrey Eugenides, “The Marriage Plot”
“I saw the world in black and white instead of the vibrant colours and shades I knew existed.” ― Katie McGarry, “Pushing the Limits”
“When you’re happy, you enjoy the music but when you’re sad, you understand the lyrics.” ― Frank Ocean
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson
“Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.” ― Christopher Morley
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