During the holidays, our thoughts may gravitate to memories of our youth, growing up and time spent with family and friends. But as often happens when we age, family members and friends pass away. Loved ones move far away because of family and job obligations. Some people transition out of the homes where they spent decades of their lives, in order to make living arrangements that meet their growing care needs. Sometimes this means moving in with family, but not always — older persons may not be able to follow their families from place to place because of physical limitations or their financial situation. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can take hold, especially during the holidays, a time that in the past was filled with activities and traditions with family and friends.
It’s natural to feel nostalgic, and it’s normal for people to feel sad when they think about the past and good times they had with others who are now far away or have passed away. Though these emotions may be difficult at times to view and address, we have to accept that they’re natural.
[See: Am I Just Sad — or Actually Depressed?]
Sometimes, though, these emotions can become concerning and evolve into depression. Depression is common in older persons, with some estimates showing that 8 to 16 percent of older individuals experience clinically significant depressive symptoms, and 5 percent of persons who do not reside in nursing homes meeting criteria for major depressive disorder.
Feeling sad, down or “low” is only one symptom of depression. A person may also lose interest in or no longer enjoy activities that they once took part in. They may have problems with sleep — either sleeping much less or much more than before. A depressed person may complain of low energy, and may experience frequent intrusive, guilty, or ruminating thoughts. Their appetite may decline, and weight may be lost.
[See: How to Find the Best Mental Health Professional for You.]
A person with depression may find it hard to motivate themselves to get started each morning, or, instead, may find it difficult to sit still, continually fidgeting throughout the day. Concentration may be impaired — they may not be able to focus on what they are doing. People suffering from depression may even state that they feel that life is not worth living or that they’re “better off dead.” In severe circumstances, they may even contemplate or attempt suicide.
It’s not necessary to have all of these symptoms to have depression, but if an individual reports feeling depressed most of the day or experiences a loss of interests in activities that they used to enjoy, and they have four of the 10 symptoms described previously for two or more weeks, they meet criteria for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Fortunately, treatments for depression are readily available. Medications can be started to help reduce the depressive symptoms that a person is experiencing. For those who are intolerant of these medications, or in circumstances where the medications do not work, psychotherapy — treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider — can be just as effective in the treatment of depression, But the person experiencing the symptoms has to be willing to talk about their feelings, which can be difficult.
[Read: What Are the Secrets to Aging Well?]
Family, friends and neighbors of older individuals should be on the lookout for changes in an older person’s mood or behavior that may indicate depression. If you notice something different or concerning, don’t ignore it — ask the person you’re concerned about if he or she is feeling down, low or sad. Keep a close eye on how they’re doing, and if mood doesn’t improve or gets worse over a few weeks, suggest that they see a doctor to determine if what they are feeling is more serious than just the loneliness, sadness and nostalgia that often accompanies the holiday season. It’s also important to support the older person as they manage their depression. If they don’t live nearby, give them a call to let them know you’re thinking about them or, if possible, offer to visit. Human interaction, in addition to formal treatment approaches, can work wonders for an older adult dealing with depression.
More from U.S. News
14 Ways to Protect Seniors From Falls
11 Things Seniors Should Look for in a Health Provider
13 Ways to Solve Sleep Problems in Seniors
Depression in Seniors: Why the Holidays Can Be Hard originally appeared on usnews.com
