We all feel down or sad from time to time. But when the feeling won’t go away and you start to lose interest in the things you enjoy you could be experiencing symptoms of depression.
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“About seven per cent of people over the age of 65 show some symptoms of depression. Around two per cent experience moderate or severe depression and around five per cent experience mild depression. The moderate or severe forms are much more common among elderly people living in care homes (eight per cent), or those who have dementia (10 per cent). Depression in people over 65 seems to be less common than it is in younger groups.”
(Source: BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information, 2013)
Depression is a serious illness, especially for seniors. Seniors who have recently been moved to a care home or hospital, spend a lot of time alone, are experiencing health problems, or have recently lost a loved one may be at increased risk of depression.
The earlier it is detected, the easier it can be to treat. The most important thing to remember is that depression is treatable. If you are exhibiting symptoms of depression, book an appointment with your physician immediately.
Symptoms of depression
Here are some of the symptoms of depression:
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If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms make an appointment to visit your doctor. Make sure you explain any and all symptoms that you have noticed; often one of the reasons depression goes unnoticed and untreated is because we are worried about telling our doctor exactly how we are feeling. Remember the doctor needs to know all the information in order to properly treat your symptoms.
Consider joining a support group
Consider joining a support group to be around other people who are experiencing similar things. There are support groups for people who experience depression or other types of mood disorder symptoms – reach out for the help of people who will understand and not judge you for how you are feeling.
Consider joining a social club
Consider joining a social club. Depression symptoms can make us feel like we don’t want to do anything, even getting out of the house can be hard. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to spend time in social environments. Make some new friends or re-connect with old ones. Isolation can make you feel alone with your problems and that no one cares about what you. Make efforts to connect with people.
Consider some form of exercise
Consider some form of exercise. Many seniors’ centers offer walking groups and low-impact physical activity and there are many research studies that say exercise should be part of a treatment plan for depression. Before you start any exercise program make sure you see your doctor to find out if the exercise you want to do is safe for you.
Find more information
Below are some resources for more information.
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Mood Disorders Association of BC www.mdabc.net, 604-873-0103, toll-free 1-855-282-7979
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BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information, www.heretohelp.bc.ca
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Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health www.ccsmh.ca, 416-785-2500 ext. 6331
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Crisis Centre Seniors’ Distress Line 604-872-1234, www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Crisis lines aren’t only for people in crisis. You can call for information on local services or if you just need someone to talk to. If you are in distress, call 310-6789 (do not add 604, 778 or 250 before the number) 24 hours a day to connect to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. The crisis lines linked in through 310-6789 have received advanced training in mental health issues and services by members of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information.
About the author
The Mood Disorders Association of BC is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for recovery for those living with a mood disorder or other mental illness. For more, visit www.mdabc.net or call 1-604-873-0103.
