Feeling down? Want back up?

Feeling down every once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few weeks or months, you may have depression. Read this article to find common signs and symptoms of depression, treatment options, and if you or your loved one may be at risk for depression.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect the way you feel, act, and think. Depression is a common problem among older adults, but clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems than younger people. However, if you’ve experienced depression as a younger person, you may be more likely to have depression as an older adult.

Depression is serious, and treatments are available to help. For most people, depression gets better with treatment. Counseling, medicine, or other forms of treatment can help. You do not need to suffer — help and treatment options are available. Talk with your doctor if you think you might have depression.

There are several types of depression that older adults may experience:

• Major Depressive Disorder – includes symptoms lasting at least two weeks that interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – a depressed mood that lasts more than two years, but the person may still be able to perform daily tasks, unlike someone with Major Depressive Disorder

• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder – depression related to the use of substances, like alcohol or pain medication

• Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition – depression related to a separate illness, like heart disease or multiple sclerosis.

Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postmenopausal depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Find detailed descriptions of different types of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Contact someone if you need help

If you are thinking very dark thoughts about your life and are thinking about harming yourself, tell someone who can help immediately.

• Do not isolate yourself.

• Call a trusted family member or friend.

• Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help.

• Make an appointment with your doctor.

Call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

What are risk factors of depression?

There are many things that may be risk factors for depression. For some people, changes in the brain can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event, like a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death. Sometimes, those under a lot of stress — especially people who care for loved ones with a serious illness or disability — can feel depressed. Others may become depressed for no clear reason.

Research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer

• Genes – people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk

• Stress, including caregiver stress

• Sleep problems

• Social isolation and loneliness

• Lack of exercise or physical activity

• Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult

• Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder

Social isolation and depression in older adults

Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression.

If you’re feeling socially isolated or lonely, and you cannot see your friends and family in person for any reason, try reaching out over the phone or joining a virtual club.

Symptoms of depression

Research show that symptoms of depression may look different han younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities. They may not be as willing to talk about their feelings.

The following is a list of common symptoms. Still, because people experience depression differently, there may be symptoms that are not on this list.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still

• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex

• Decreased energy or fatigue

• Moving or talking more slowly

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early in the morning, or oversleeping

• Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

If you have several of these signs and symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, talk with your doctor. These could be signs of depression or another health condition. Don’t ignore the warning signs. If left untreated, serious depression may lead to death by suicide.

If you are a health care provider of an older person, ask how they are feeling during their visits.

How is depression treated?

Depression, even severe depression, can be treated. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as you begin noticing signs. If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your doctor or health care provider.

Common forms of treatment for depression include:

• Psychotherapy, counseling, or “talk therapy” are most effective when clients are able to articulate what troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Setting small behavioral goals like joining a gym or cleaning a room may bring about noticable differences in our lives. Your insurance carrier may have a list of therapists to contact, and many are available online

Depression Can be prevented

Many people wonder if depression can be prevented and how they may be able to lower their risk of depression. When we examine our belief systems and listen to our words, we may be telling ourselves things like no one cares, no one ever calls, I am old and going to die of some dreaded disease..these are all signs that we are not listening to good messages and by making the call, by getting out of the house, doing something for others, including smiling at a neighbor, we are building an internal positive system of thoughts focused less on negative thoughts and more on problem solving ideas. Many expers point to a healthy lifestyle for antidotes to depression. Walkers, swimmers, gym goers, pickle ball players, golfers and book club members are less likely to be caught in that negative cycle, when they are focused on the upcoming actitvity or selcting healthy foods at their neighborhood grocer. changes can have long-term benefits to your mental health.

Here are a few steps you can take:

• Be physically active and eat a healthy, balanced diet. This may help avoid illnesses that can bring on disability or depression. Some diets — including the low-sodium DASH diet — have been shown to reduce risk of depression.

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

• Stay in touch with friends and family.

• Participate in activities you enjoy.

• Let friends, family, and your physician know when you’re experiencing symptoms of depression.

Participation in clinical trials and studies can help advance research to better diagnose, treat, and prevent depression. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial or study about depression.

You may also be interested in

• Finding ways to stay socially connected

• Exploring fun ideas to stay physically active

• Reading tips for talking with your doctor about sensitive topics

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For more information about depression

Administration for Community Living (ACL)202-401-4634https://www.acl.gov

American Psychological Association800-374-2721 202-336-6123 (TDD/TTY)www.apa.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)800-232-4636888-232-6348 (TTY)cdcinfo@cdc.govwww.cdc.gov

MedlinePlusNational Library of Medicine      www.medlineplus.gov

Mental Health America800-969-6642www.mentalhealthamerica.net

National Alliance on Mental Illness800-950-6264www.nami.org

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health888-644-6226866-464-3615 (TTY)info@nccih.nih.govwww.nccih.nih.gov

National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA)309-531-2816admin@ncmha.orgwww.ncmha.org/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute301-592-8573nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.govwww.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Institute of Mental Health866-615-6464866-415-8051 (TTY)nimhinfo@nih.govwww.nimh.nih.gov

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 or 800-273-8255 (24 hours a day)711 then 988 or 800-799-4889 (TTY)https://988lifeline.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration877-726-4727800-487-4889 (TTY)samhsainfo@samhsa.hhs.govwww.samhsa.gov

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: July 7, 2021