Breaking the Silence: Talking About Depression in Older Adults
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Enhancing quality of life and care of older adults through partnerships in research, education and practice
Mental health is a topic that many people are hesitant to talk about, particularly when it comes to older adults. The stigma surrounding depression in older adults can prevent many people from seeking help, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Depression is not a natural part of aging, yet according to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health (CCSMH) website, up to 20 per cent of older adults have symptoms of depression. That number doubles for people in hospitals and long-term care (LTC) homes.
There are many reasons older adults may be reluctant to talk about their mental health, including generational stigma, social isolation, and thinking the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue are “just part of getting older”.
We all have bad days and times when we feel down. But clinical or major depression is not just about feeling sad; it is a serious condition where you may feel sad all the time and lack interest in activities that used to bring joy.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing depression as one ages:
Seeking help
It can be challenging to start a conversation about depression, especially if someone feels ashamed to open up. If you or someone you know might be experiencing depression, the first step is to talk to your family doctor. They can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and develop an individualized treatment plan. The severity of symptoms may vary from mild to severe, and the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Below is a symptom checklist - developed by CCSMH - to help you talk to your healthcare provider.
Symptom Checklist
Normalizing conversations around mental health helps us shift societal perceptions. This shift can help older adults feel more comfortable addressing their mental health without fear of judgment.
To learn more, watch this previously recorded webinar, Demystifying Depression in Older Adults, featuring Sophiya Benjamin, Schlegel Chair in Mental Health and Aging.
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4moVery well pointed out the key points and symptoms one can detect confirming if an older adult is experiencing depression or not. On that being said, I personally believe that these are very highly likely occurrences that can happen in anyone's life. Hence, how you deal with it is most important for passing through depression. Moreover, before even going to therapists and performing a diagnosis, I feel if one expresses it to their loved ones, or if we figure out that someone whom we love is going through such extreme, then, we can easily help them just by "being there". Trust me, that's all it takes, been there and done that.