Healthy Edge
Rising above late-life depression
Did you know that compared to the general population Seniors are disproportionately more likely to commit suicide? American white men over age 85 are almost five times more likely than the national average to take their own life. Why the disparity? Many believe suicide attempts are often fueled by depression, a treatable mental condition some Seniors are prone to develop. And no, it’s not a “normal” part of aging.
Feeling “blue,” grief over a loss, and sadness followed by recovery are all part of the human condition. On the other hand, depression is the persistent manifestation of these emotions. Imagine the feeling of sinking in a pool of quicksand once you’ve given up on saving yourself. That’s the feeling one in 20 Seniors with late-life depression experience day after day. Often coupled with other symptoms, depression is not a mood you can just shake off; it’s a medical condition that alters physiology.
Although most patients’ depression can be managed effectively with the help of a primary healthcare provider, it is often undiagnosed and under-treated. Individuals, including many Seniors, erroneously believe that depression is a natural response to illness, financial burdens, and compromised social support. Sure, these challenging events are depression risk factors. But, mentally healthy individuals tend to cope after working through negative feelings, sometimes with the help of family, friends, and others.
Seniors with serious medical conditions — especially conditions that change life instantaneously — should be monitored closely for depression. For instance, up to 25 percent of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression. Following a hip fracture, 14 percent of Seniors develop major depressive disorders within 10 weeks of the event. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, Parkinson disease, and hypothyroidism also commonly co-exist with depression. Treatment of co-existing depression is imperative to promote recovery and positive patient outcomes.
Although chronic pain is associated with many of the diseases and events noted above, its cause is often unknown. We do know that chronic pain is a major risk factor for depression. Meaning: effective pain management is an important safeguard against depression. Chronic pain, like depression, is not a “normal” part of aging. Yet, Seniors’ chronic pain is often inadequately addressed. Medication is not the only effective treatment option. Psychosocial and alternative treatments are also important management tools that reduce multiple medication use.
Some medications can lead to depression as well as other complications. So, read those labels! Also, discuss with your pharmacist and doctor how your medications may interact with one another.
Finally, chronic pain and depression can create a vicious cycle. Depression intensifies pain and sometimes causes it. Your healthcare provider should assess your pain levels at every check-up. If you have chronic pain and/or depression, please visit one or more professionals to begin a treatment regimen.
Sadly, approximately one in 10 Seniors confined to a hospital or rehabilitative setting, or those living in isolation, develop depression. That’s double the national average for individuals over age 65. However, late-life depression affects as few as one in 100 who have an active social network. Socializing increases “feel good” hormones such as oxytocin, a neuropeptide that reduces stress and prevents depression. Remember “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well, connecting with others each day keeps depression at bay.
To help prevent depression, screen yourself occasionally to assess your susceptibility. In addition to the 2 million Seniors who suffer from clinical depression, over 5 million have subsyndromal depression. This milder form of the condition places you at risk for major depression. Early detection will likely protect you or your loved ones’ well-being; it may even save a life.
You may be suffering from depression if you frequently:
- Feel nervous, empty, guilty, irritable and/or worthless
- Are disinterested in activities you used to enjoy
- Sleep and/or eat less or more
- Believe life isn’t worth living
You may have depression or another medical condition if you:
- Feel tired, sluggish
- Have poor concentration
- Have frequent headaches and/or stomachaches
- Suffer from chronic pain
Answering “yes” to one or more of these symptoms may warrant a visit to your doctor.
At the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, caring and knowledgeable people are available all day, everyday. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis. All calls are confidential.
Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist, medical writer and VP of the WellFlorida Council Board of Directors.
