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Spotlight on
“SeniorS”
Everyone feels down from time to time. But when someone consis- tently lacks energy, has trouble sleeping, takes no pleasure in things he or she used to enjoy and has a poor appetite, clinical depres- sion is a distinct possibility. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects about 12 mil- lion Americans. Studies have shown that it’s a disease of the brain, not a figment of the imagi- nation. Unlike occasional bouts of “the blues” that we all suffer from time to time, depression should be suspected if the symptoms persist for weeks or months, especially dif- ficulty sleeping. Depression in the older popula- tion goes undiagnosed for many reasons. In seniors, it’s associated with chronic illness, loss of inde- pendence or mobility and death of a spouse or loved one. It’s common to think depression is a normal part of aging, but it’s not. Older people may feel grief, loss and sadness just like everybody else, but if it goes on for weeks or months, it’s not normal. Symptoms of depression in sen- iors may be mistaken for signs of dementia. They may include hallu- cinations, delusions and irritability. Some older individuals have persist- ent feelings of sadness but don’t acknowledge them. They may be too proud to admit they have depression, or somehow blame themselves for the way they feel. Thus, they rarely seek treatment. The consequences of untreated depression can be devastating. It’s the single most significant risk fac- tor for suicide in older white males, the largest at-risk group for suicide in America. Short of suicide, the impact of depression can include withdrawal from day to day life, loss of sleep, appetite or libido and a general feeling of worthlessness. Women in general are twice as likely as men to suffer from depres- sion. Thus, older women are at greater risk than older men. Reasons for this could include hor- monal changes or various social factors such as the burden of main- taining relationships or caring for sick children or other loved ones into later life. Clinical depression requires a diagnosis by a doctor. No self-help book or web site alone can do that. Thus, bringing the symptoms to the attention of a doctor is the begin- ning of the treatment process. Sometimes, the hardest part is get- ting oneself or a family member to admit there’s a problem. Successful treatment of depres- sion is accomplished in most patients through medication. Prescription drugs work 80% of the time. Most people need only see their primary care physician for a diagnosis and a prescription for an anti-depressant. Psychotherapy is another com- mon treatment for depression, often used in concert with medication. The bottom line is this: depres- sion isn’t an automatic part of get- ting older. If you feel empty, worth- less, irritable, don’t sleep well or sleep too much, don’t enjoy the things you used to enjoy and have these feelings for what seems like a long time, you may be suffering from depression, a treatable illness. See your doctor. And for those who are in crisis and need help right away, 24 hours a day, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK. You can call for yourself or for someone you care about. All calls are confidential. DEPRESSION IN OLDER PEOPLE Submitted by the Chelsea, Senior Living Independent Living Completion in early 2016 For seniors 65 and over Reserve your apartment NOW! Call 908-903-0911 TODAY! 274 K ING G EORGE R OAD W ARREN , NJ 07059 WWW . CHELSEASENIORLIVING . COM 9 One & two bedroom apartments 9 Brand new, modern kitchens 9 Washer & dryer 9 Pre-wired for TV/internet 9 Underground parking 9 Monthly rental, no buy-in required For your Independent Lifestyle www.theconnectionsnj.comPAGE 79