How You Can Spot Depression- and What to Do About It

Depression is a common concern across all age groups, and since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased. According to a study from the Boston University School of Public Health, it now affects 1 in every 3 adults in the US.1

For adults aged 65 and older, the rates of depression since the start of the pandemic are around 24%.2 However, this age group also often avoids disclosing depression symptoms. 3

Because depression can cause many other health problems and even lead to suicide, it’s important to openly talk about this mental health concern. It’s also important that you know how to spot it- in yourself, and others.

And identifying it is only the first step. What can you do to help? Thanks to better mental health awareness and advancements in treatment, there are effective ways to improve depression and lead a happier, healthier life. We’ll discuss some strategies here.

The Basics: What Is Depression?

To understand depression, it is helpful to know what depression is not. Depression is not just feeling a little sad, or having a case of the “blues.” It’s also not something that a person can just think their way out of or cure by “focusing on positives.” And it’s not grief, such as what a person might experience after losing a loved one.

Depression is a medical condition that causes feelings of sadness and even physical illness. It affects self-esteem and motivation and causes a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. For a person to receive a diagnosis, the symptoms must last longer than 2 weeks, and there can’t be another medical problem causing the symptoms.

Some Symptoms of Depression

When your doctor, nurse, or mental health professional screens for depression, there are several symptoms they look for. These can range from mild to severe:

Having little pleasure or interest in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Sleeping too much, or too little
Feeling tired or having little energy
Having either a poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself- for example, worthless or guilty
Having trouble concentrating or thinking
Moving or speaking so slowly others notice- or the opposite: being fidgety and restless
Thoughts of suicide or death

What Are Some Causes of Depression?

There are a few reasons someone can develop depression. These include problems with certain brain chemicals that affect mood and thinking, and whether depression runs in the person’s family. It can also be influenced by the environment- abuse, neglect, and poverty, for example, can trigger depression.

In older people, depression is not a normal part of the aging process. Some of the health problems that are more common with aging can lead to depression, however. Stroke is known to increase the risk of depression developing. Heart disease has also been linked to depression. Brain conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can also cause depression. In addition, some medications can cause or worsen depression.

Just struggling with illness, disability, or a serious diagnosis like cancer can make someone more prone to suffering from depression. And numerous studies have shown that loneliness, which can be a common experience for seniors, also increases the risk for depression.

What Happens if Depression Isn’t Treated?

No matter how or why depression starts, it can have negative consequences if untreated. Just like depression can be caused by other medical conditions, depression itself can cause other medical problems. These include chronic pain, diabetes, cognitive decline, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, and even osteoporosis and autoimmune disease.4

The most serious consequence of depression is suicide. In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death.5 Out of these deaths, around 18% are seniors, even though seniors are only 12% of the total population.6 For this reason alone, it is essential to pay attention to the symptoms of depression and to seek help if they are present.

It’s important to recognize that due to stigma and misinformation, an older person may minimize their depression, or avoid seeking treatment. One study found that 56% of older adults surveyed hadn’t sought medical treatment for their depression and 82% said they were “unlikely or extremely unlikely” to do so.7

Because depression is very treatable, if you recognize the symptoms discussed above, there are steps you can take to help avoid the possible complications of this mental illness.

What to Do About Depression

If you’ve identified depression symptoms in yourself or someone you love, the first step to take is to discuss it with your doctor. Once they have ruled out any medical problems that could be causing symptoms, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further treatment.

Keep in mind that a person suffering from depression may be unable to plan or follow through with a doctor’s appointment. Severe depression can limit a person’s ability to perform basic self-care and daily tasks, much less address more complex needs. It can help to have another person involved in setting up appointments. This person can also join in meetings with healthcare providers. Having encouragement from someone familiar with the plan for treating the person’s depression can be helpful, too.

Treating depression can involve medication, therapy, and self-care strategies. These are some of the suggestions your medical team might make:

Psychotherapy

Also called “talk therapy,” this involves meeting with a licensed therapist, often either a social worker or psychologist. During each session, time is spent processing thoughts and emotions and practicing new ways to manage them. It is helpful if the therapist specializes in treating older adults with mental health concerns.

Medication

Antidepressants are the type of medication that is used to treat depression. They can work very well to relieve symptoms, because they help with the brain chemicals that affect mood. It is important to remember when taking antidepressants that it can take at least 2 weeks, and sometimes more, for the medication to fully take effect. It’s also very important to take them daily and not miss doses.

If you’ve been using an antidepressant as prescribed for several weeks and still struggle with symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the right medication dosage and fit for each person. A psychiatrist who specializes in treatment for depression may offer other suggestions. You can ask your doctor about a referral to see one.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

This is a treatment that involves stimulating the brain with electricity. It is used for depression that is severe and hasn’t improved with medication and therapy. It works very quickly and is known to be very safe and effective in improving severe depression symptoms. The main drawbacks are that it requires regular treatment appointments that are time-consuming. And it requires someone to drive the person home afterward due to the sedation used during the procedure. It can also cause confusion and memory loss, which are usually short-term.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

A newer therapy, rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain that impacts mood and depression. Like ECT, it is proven safe and effective in improving severe depression symptoms and is used when medication and therapy have failed. It also requires regular visits for treatments over a period of time but does not involve sedation.

Along with the above medical treatments, there are self-care strategies you can implement that can help with depression. These include:

Stay active– physical activity is proven to help with depression. A friend or family member who is willing to be an exercise buddy can help.

Consider ways to address loneliness. Adopting a pet, involving family in activities, and considering in-home caregivers can bring more interaction to someone who is depressed.

Eat healthy. A good diet and the right vitamin supplementation can help support a healthier mood. You can discuss with your doctor what is safe to take with your current medications and whether there are any lab tests they recommend, such as B12 and vitamin D levels.

Music and art can be therapy, too. In fact, some therapists use music or art to address depression symptoms. But playing your favorite songs or expressing yourself creatively can be a great mood booster.

Lastly, if a person is actively contemplating suicide and is in crisis, don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. This number is available 24/7 and accepts both calls and texts.

Knowledge is Power When it Comes to Depression

A big part of the battle in treating depression successfully is talking about it openly and recognizing the symptoms. By understanding what depression is and how it can be treated, you can help erase misconceptions and social stigma about this disease. For seniors with depression, the treatments discussed above can be highly successful in improving their quality of life.

If you’re involved in caring for a senior who struggles with loneliness and physical limitations that make everyday functioning difficult, their risk for depression can be a big worry. Considering in-home care can be a great support, thanks to the companionship and help a caregiver can provide. Caregivers can provide regular services or just visit for respite care, which helps caregivers avoid burnout and depression too. To find out how Caresify can meet this need, you can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

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