Depression in older adults

Depression is more than sadness or a low mood. Depression affects physical, mental, and emotional health. It can be a severe mental health condition. For older adults, depression can affect behavior, memory, relationships with family members, and how they relate to their environment.

Depression in older adults can be triggered by

• Loss of a loved one
• Changes in health or a new diagnosis
• Retirement
• Financial insecurity
• Feeling like a burden

Symptoms of depression in older adults can differ from symptoms of depression during other life stages because sadness may not be the primary factor

• Insomnia or sleeping too much during the day
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation to visit family
• Isolating behaviors
• Confusion or difficulty focusing
• Irritability

Depression can co-occur with other physical diseases which may inhibit the management of the disease and recovery. The illness can make depression much worse and, conversely, the depression may make the illness more severe. Physical illnesses that can cause depression are Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia, or a new terminal diagnosis.

When treating an older adult with depression, it is essential to help them manage any physical illnesses or co-occurring mental illness. It can be helpful to have a therapist visit in the home to provide counseling where they are most comfortable, and to prevent the need for stressful transportation to appointments. 

"Caregiver burnout" is a very real condition that is often minimized by media. This is much more than the "self-care" of bubble baths and a glass of wine.

We often jump in as  caregivers to provide love and care for our children, our neighbors who are going through difficulties, our siblings, friends, co-workers, etc. But when we are counted on for daily care for our children, loved ones, or our parents we are often over stressed and unable to care for ourselves appropriately which can manifest with physical and emotional symptoms.

Physical signs of burnout include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches or digestive issues
• Aches and pains
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression

Emotional and behavioral signs of burn out:

• Neglecting your own health
• Feeling detached from family members
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Not exercising
• Consuming too much alcohol or other substances
• Feeling persistent worry

Family members may have difficulty accepting their loved one's difficult diagnosis or aging process, which may impact family relationships. It is essential to have those difficult conversations so that the entire family unit can understand the needs of your loved one.

Too much stress can harm your health and the emotional and physical demands can impact even the most resilient person, but recognizing the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout is the first step. 

Caregivers often benefit from counseling with a licensed therapist. These visits can also be provided in-home or with telehealth. 

Taking a break to care for yourself is not a luxury... it is a necessity.