{"id":23042,"date":"2022-09-19T11:01:47","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T16:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T09:46:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T14:46:00","slug":"healthy-aging-recognizing-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/healthy-aging-recognizing-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Aging: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"

Portrayals of aging in popular culture depict people who are cranky, tired, and disinterested. This isn’t just a gross generalization, it might be keeping some people from getting the emotional support they deserve. Why? Because these descriptions also apply to people living with depression.<\/p>\n

According to the National Institute on Aging<\/a> (NIA), depression isn\u2019t a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, even though we experience more illnesses and loss than younger people. While feeling down sometimes is totally normal, if those feelings persist, you should see a professional to rule out something more serious, like a major depressive episode<\/strong> (MDE). An MDE lasts for at least two weeks when you experience a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and have other symptoms like difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, decreased sleep or concentration, and low self-esteem.<\/p>\n

Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you or someone you care about get support and feel better.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you have Medicare, you get a free depression screening each year<\/a>.<\/p>\n

10 Common Signs & Symptoms of Depression<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Persistent irritability, sadness, or anxiety<\/li>\n
  2. Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness<\/li>\n
  3. Restlessness or trouble sitting still<\/li>\n
  4. Loss of interest in favorite activities, including sex<\/li>\n
  5. Decreased energy or increased fatigue<\/li>\n
  6. Moving or speaking more slowly<\/li>\n
  7. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions<\/li>\n
  8. Changes in sleep<\/a>, including difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, or waking up in the early hours<\/li>\n
  9. Eating more or less than normal and\/or experiencing unintended change in weight<\/li>\n
  10. Contemplating death or suicide, or attempting suicide<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    5 Possible Indicators of Depression in Older Adults<\/h2>\n

    Some symptoms are unique to older adults, notes Alan Manevitz, MD, family psychiatrist in New York City. You may notice:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Memory problems<\/li>\n
    2. Vague complaints of pain<\/li>\n
    3. Demanding or help-seeking behavior<\/li>\n
    4. Delusions or hallucinations<\/li>\n
    5. Changes in self-care, like forgetting medication or not showering<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u201cIf any of these things are going on\u2026you want to think about depression,\u201d Manevitz recommends.<\/p>\n

      7 Things That Can Increase Risk of Depression<\/h2>\n

      The NIA notes that our risk of depression can rise because of:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Medical conditions like cancer or a stroke<\/li>\n
      2. Family history of depression<\/li>\n
      3. Stress<\/a> and anxiety<\/li>\n
      4. Isolation and loneliness<\/a><\/li>\n
      5. Low exercise<\/a> or physical activity<\/li>\n
      6. Functional limitations<\/li>\n
      7. Addiction and\/or alcoholism<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Pro Tip:<\/strong> Certain conditions and medications may cause similar symptoms to depression. Your healthcare provider can determine if this is the case by performing a physical exam, considering your personal medical history, reviewing your over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and ordering lab tests.<\/p>\n

        Treating Depression in People Over 55<\/h2>\n

        The first thing you should do if you have multiple signs or symptoms is to call your healthcare provider. Early intervention gets you on the road to feeling better faster.<\/p>\n

        Your doctor may recommend a psychological evaluation to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that could include:<\/p>\n