Depression and Mental Health in Older Adults
Depression and mental health: causes, warning signs and treatments
HealthSpring is your health partner in your mental health journey – you are not alone. Learn the likely causes, common symptoms and available treatment options for depression.
Depression can be treated, and sometimes it may be prevented. But having depression can make it harder to manage other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. That’s why it is important to know the symptoms of depression early before it can affect your physical health.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious mental illness that changes how you feel, think and act. It causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in the things you enjoy. Depression is common in older adults but not a normal part of aging. It affects more than 6 million people in the U.S. ages 65 or older1.
What are the warning signs of depression?
The warning signs of depression may include repeated feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite and having a hard time concentrating. You may feel sad or blue at times. That’s a normal part of life. But if these feelings last more than two weeks, it may be a sign of depression. And if so, you should call your doctor. Other signs and symptoms of depression may include:
- Feeling sad most of the day or almost every day
- A loss of interest in all or almost all activities or pleasure in life
- Changes in your weight or appetite
- Sleeping more or less than normal
- Feeling irritable, grumpy or restless
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Trouble thinking or focusing
- Feeling tired, slow or a loss of energy
- Repeated thoughts of death or suicide (if you are experiencing these, please call your doctor or mental health professional; for immediate assistance, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
What causes depression?
It is hard to understand the true cause of depression. It could be a combination of factors, such as your hormones, genetics or the chemicals in your brain not working the right way. But it’s important to know that you may be at risk of depression if you are:
- Grieving the loss of a loved one
- Losing a sense of freedom because you need a caregiver or a health care facility
- Retiring and feeling a loss of purpose or professional identity
- Feeling down due to pain, illness, injury or other health issues
- Feeling mentally, physically or financially stressed
- Taking certain medications that make you feel down
- Misusing alcohol or prescription drugs
What are some treatments for depression?
Common treatments for depression include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and support from mental health professionals. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the treatment methods below:
- Stick to a routine of daily activities
- Exercise regularly and do things you enjoy
- Limit your use of alcohol
- Take medication
- Use methods like meditation and deep breathing to help you relax and lower your stress levels
- Get counseling from a mental health professional that can help you find out and manage the cause(s) of your depression
- Do cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT (a type of therapy that helps you change how you think and act)
Final thoughts from Dr. T
Remember, you are not alone. For more information about depression, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you or someone you know is in a crisis and needs support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
1 Depression in Older People, WebMD, September 3, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-elderly
About the Author
Dr. Grant Tarbox is a HealthSpring Clinical Expert and Senior Executive Medical Director with more than 25 years of American Family Medicine Board Certification.
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