Social Isolation And Loneliness
Many things change when people age. The primary consideration is that most seniors live alone as their grown-up children have families of their own. They have an empty nest and feel equally desolated inside their hearts and souls. Unfortunately, they cannot readily go out to seek friends, as some may have passed on or relocated to a different adult community.
Additionally, each elderly person is also busy coping with his or her declining health. Some seniors are in pain, so the tendency is to stay in the house, while others lose their driving privileges because of poor eyesight and reflexes. All these factors isolate them from their immediate circle, which precipitates a cloud of grief and sadness.
With retirement, seniors no longer see their work friends and earn their keep. Being unable to engage in their passions and receive an income from their honest work can trigger depression. After all, no one likes feeling worthless. Usually, retirement is fun at the onset, but when people realize they have nothing to do all day, it becomes a different story. When people retire, they lose their financial security, part of their identity, status, and even self-confidence, leading to insecurities and an increased risk of depression.
What Are The Causes And Risk Factors For Depression
There is no single cause of depression. Various risk factors have been identified as contributors to clinical depression. When there are several risk factors, the likelihood of developing depression increases.
Additionally, women are more likely to develop depression than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, this disparity in depression levels may be partly due to the difference in reporting. A 2021 study concluded that females are more likely to report symptoms of depression than males. A National Health and Nutrition study found that 5.5% of men report symptoms, while 10.4% of women do. Note that this study was based on self-reported data. More research is needed to fully explore the differences.
There are also racial differences in depression rates. While white Americans tend to report higher initial levels of acute depression than Black Americans, 56% of Black Americans experience chronic depression compared to 38.6% of people who are white. Treatment rates are also lower in BIPOC populations potentially due to stigma and lack of access to treatment.
In addition to risk factors for depression, some triggers can contribute to a depressive episode. Common triggers for depression include but are not limited to:
- Stressful life events like the loss of a family member, loss of a job or significant relationship changes
- A diagnosis of a medical condition
- Previous incomplete treatments for depression
Diagnosis Of Geriatric Depression
Proper diagnosis of geriatric depression can be difficult. The first medical point of contact for older adults is typically their regular doctor. If they are in an assisted living facility, care workers may notice the symptoms of depression.
A mental health expert will assess your symptoms, mood, behavior, day-to-day activities, and family health history. They will ask:
- how long youve been feeling depressed
- what brought on the depression
- if youve experienced depression in the past
A person must display symptoms of depression for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with the condition.
You can also use this free online geriatric depression scale. It may be helpful in determining whether you or a loved one needs help. However, this should not be used as a replacement for an official diagnosis from a qualified mental health specialist.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety In The Elderly
I mentioned above what anxiety can feel like for some seniors and of course every individual is different. Heres a more comprehensive list of some of the most common symptoms of anxiety that elderly experience.
- feeling restless, wound up, or on edge
- easily fatigued
- catastrophizing
- heart palpitations
Believe me, some of these symptoms can make you feel like you are having a heart attack or maybe a stroke! And just thinking about that can only make you feel more anxious, naturally.
Again, if you have these symptoms, please consult with your physician for a full medical checkup. If it turns out that they are the result of anxiety, then you can certainly begin to get treated for that issue.
Its a medical condition that requires treatment so dont put it off.
Physical And Mental Health
In a review article one of the present authors noted that physical disability was strongly associated with depression, but emphasized the need for further studies to identify and define other risk factors. Medical comorbidities and functional impairment have emerged as important risk factors in a number of subsequent studies . Persistent pain also has been identified as a major risk factor, affecting both mood and quality of life . Medications for a number of comorbid conditions may also cause depression or produce depressive symptoms .
The medical conditions listed by Hyer et al. include those whose symptoms may overlap with those of depression, and indicate a high correlation between dementia and depression. This correlation is reported in a number of other studies , though it is difficult to determine cause and effect. A history of previous depression is one of the best predictors of manifest depression in residents of care homes for older people , and better cognitive functioning increases levels of risk of depression when associated with loss of physical function and capacity to live independently . Jones et al. also identified Parkinson’s disease and heart disease as risk factors, although medication for these conditions may be implicated too .
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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Depression In Older Adults
According to an American Academy of Family Physicians study, primary care physicians often spend little time discussing mental health with their older patients.
They fail to diagnose and refer them to credible mental health institutions.
Depressive behaviors could be a significant risk factor for suicide. We sure dont want our elderly loved ones to reach that extent!
So lets understand what could cause depression in the elderly so that we can decide on a treatment fast:
How Is Depression In The Elderly Treated
Treatment for Depression in Older Adults is equally effective, as it is for younger people. However, medications generally take longer to have the desired result.
A treatment of Depression in the Elderly may include some or all of the following strategies:
- Regular exercise
- Support therapy groups, regular counseling sessions
- Actively exploring new social experiences
- Learning a musical instrument or a new language
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What Are The Risk Factors For Depression In The Elderly
Risk factors of Depression in the Elderly include:
- Not having a significant other, staying alone
- Absence of social support
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
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What Helps Elderly With Anxiety
The best way to deal with anxiety in the elderly is to try and understand what might be causing it. It could be something as simple as a change in routine or diet, or it could be something more serious.
If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety, there are a few things that you can do to help them or yourself.
Eat To Support Your Mood
Adjusting your dietary habits as an older adult can help you deal with the symptoms of depression.
- Start by minimizing sugar and refined carbs. Sugary and starchy comfort foods can give you a quick boost, but you pay for it later when your blood sugar crashes.
- Instead, focus on quality protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, which will leave you satisfied and emotionally balanced.
- Going too long without eating can also worsen your mood, making you tired and irritable, so do your best to eat something at least every 3-4 hours.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Childhood Trauma
TRAUMA CAN INCLUDE A VARIETY OF RESPONSES AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES, SUCH AS: Intense and ongoing emotional upset, including feelings of fear, terror or under pressure. Anxiety or being in a state of constant alert. Depression. Nightmares or trouble sleeping. Changes in eating habits or loss of appetite.
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We know that traumatic experiences can trigger both mental and physical health issues in adulthood. For example, a car accident or violent attack may lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to physical injuries.
But what about emotional trauma in childhood?
Research conducted over the last decade is shining a light on how adverse childhood events can affect a variety of illnesses later on in life.
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How Does Anxiety Affect The Elderly
According to Webmd.com, Anxiety disorders in older adults are fairly common, affecting 10% to 20% of people. That translates to millions of seniors living with these symptoms that can become debilitating.
It can literally prevent seniors from
- meeting with their friends and family
- paying their bills
- and most other tasks of daily living
Anxiety can literally keep you in bed for days . As I said, its a terrible illness.
My experience in working with older adults as an Occupational Therapist has been that the mindset of many seniors, as it relates to issues such as anxiety and depression, is that its just a part of getting old or they may be reluctant to admit they are feeling this way because they dont want to be perceived as weak.
This is particularly true for men who have been socialized to believe that emotions are a sign of weakness. It can be difficult for them to express what they are feeling, even to their doctor.
And trying to get some seniors to counseling can seem impossible! But its important to remember that anxiety and depression are real medical conditions that need to be treated.
If you are an elderly adult experiencing anxiety or depression, please know that you are not alone and there is help available. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health professional.
There are also many helpful self-care strategies that can lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Below are some examples:
What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Geriatric Depression
The root cause for the development of late-life depression is generally thought to be a conglomeration of a number of factors and potential causes working together. Some of the most common causes and risk factors for late-life depression may include:
Genetic: Research has provided evidence that there is a genetic predisposition toward depression in people of all ages. People who have relatives who struggle with depression are more likely to develop the disorder than those without similar family histories.
Physical: Late-onset depression may be triggered by illnesses associated with a later-life onset such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinsons disease, and arthritis. Additionally, people who have imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in the brain may be more prone to develop depression at all ages. People who have had a history of depressive episodes in their earlier years are at greater risk for developing depression in later life.
Environmental: The stresses of later life, such as the death of a long-time partner and friends, may trigger late-onset depression in certain individuals. Additionally, people who struggle with late-life depression may be socially isolated due to disability and loss of long-term friendships. Financial troubles and concerns may contribute to the development of late-life depression.
Risk Factors:
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The Difference Between Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Anxiety and panic attacks can be very similar, especially in the elderly. Both can cause a person to feel short of breath, have a racing heart, and feel like they are going to faint or die. However, there are some key differences between anxiety and panic attacks.
Anxiety is usually more of a generalized feeling of worry or unease. It can be caused by a specific event, such as a doctors appointment, or it can be more general, such as worrying about your health. Anxiety can also be chronic, meaning it lasts for a long time.
Panic attacks, on the other hand, are usually more sudden and intense. They can feel like a heart attack or being suffocated. And they often come with a sense of impending doom. Panic attacks can be so severe that they cause people to avoid situations where they might have another one.
If youre experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, its important to talk to your doctor. There are treatments that can help.
When Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Used
ECT can play an important role in the treatment of depression in older adults. When older people canât take traditional antidepressant medicines because of side effects or interactions with other medications, when depression is very severe and interferes with basic daily functioning , or when risk for suicide is especially high, ECT is often a safe and effective treatment option.
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Supporting Friends And Family With Depression
Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment from a doctor. While family and friends can help by offering support in finding treatment, they cannot treat a persons depression.
As a friend or family member of a person with depression, here are a few things you can do:
- Encourage the person to seek medical treatment and stick with the treatment plan the doctor prescribes.
- Help set up medical appointments or accompany the person to the doctors office or a support group.
- Participate in activities the person likes to do.
- Ask if the person wants to go for a walk or a bike ride. Physical activity can be great for boosting mood.
Other Causes Of Depression:
Its important to be aware that medical problems can cause depression either directly or as a reaction to the illness. Any chronic medical condition, particularly if it is painful, disabling, or life-threatening, can lead to depression or make depression worse.
These include:
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Symptoms of depression can also occur as a side effect of many commonly prescribed medications. While the mood-related side effects of prescription medication can affect anyone, older adults are more sensitive because, as we age, our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing and processing drugs.
Medications that can cause or worsen depression include:
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If you feel depressed after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. You may be able to lower your dose or switch to another medication that doesnt impact your mood.
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What Are The Signs Of Depression In Older People
The signs of depression in older people are different from those seen in younger adults and children. Older people are less likely to talk about the emotional symptoms of depression, such as feeling down or uninterested in activities. This might be because of old stigmas around mental health or because people sometimes find it hard to admit that they are not coping by themselves.
Older people may experience physical symptoms, but you may not realise that your physical complaints are signs of depression. These might include dizziness, aches and pains, weight loss and difficulty sleeping or staying asleep .
Memory loss can also be a sign of depression, and if this is the case, treatment for depression can help improve your memory.
Sometimes older people or people close to them notice changes in behaviour, which can be a sign of depression. These include:
- not leaving the house
- not enjoying the things they once enjoyed doing
- hoarding unimportant items
Another sign of depression is thinking a lot about the end of your life. You may find yourself giving away personal possessions, changing your will, or talking a lot about death. This can be a sign of suicidal thoughts and should be taken very seriously.
What Is Elderly Depression
Geriatric depression or clinical depression in older adults is an emotional disorder and mental health illness. It is the occasional feeling of sadness and blue moods.
It doesnt always meet the full definition of major depression, but if it is lasting and left untreated, it can.
Mental health and depression among older adults are often not taken as seriously as they should be. Many seniors will deny or not recognize the symptoms of clinical depression.
That should not be the case as depression is a treatable medical condition.
Recognizing the symptoms of depression is key to arriving at an effective treatment plan because there is still more to life!
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