From Blue to You Depression and Older Adults

Vignette Meet Frank

What is going on with Frank? He has lost interest in his hobbies, friends, and family.He has lost interest in his hobbies, friends, and family. His movement and speech have slowed.His movement and speech have slowed. Frank has a lack of interest in his personal care and health.Frank has a lack of interest in his personal care and health.

What is depression? A mental disorder or illnessA mental disorder or illness Involves the body, mood, and thoughtsInvolves the body, mood, and thoughts

Is it depression or is it grief? Grief is common in older adults due to frequent losses (spouses, friends)Grief is common in older adults due to frequent losses (spouses, friends) Grief may look like depressionGrief may look like depression Grief resolves over time; depression persistsGrief resolves over time; depression persists

How common is depression in older adults? Frank is not aloneFrank is not alone Depression affects about 15 of people over the age of 65Depression affects about 15 percent of people over the age of 65

What are the symptoms? Physical symptoms Emotional symptoms Psychosocial symptoms

Stigma Is very strong among older adults Prevents older adults from seeking treatment Contributes to the belief that there is no hope for help

There is treatment available for FrankThere is treatment available for Frank Talk therapy Medication therapy Combination: talk and medication therapy Treatment

Address mental, social, and environmental roots of depressionAddress mental, social, and environmental roots of depression Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy Involve familyInvolve family Talk therapy

Medication therapy SSRIsSSRIs Side effects do occurSide effects do occur Talk to doctor about the right choiceTalk to doctor about the right choice

Combination therapy Talk therapy plus medicationTalk therapy plus medication Consistently shown to be most effectiveConsistently shown to be most effective

Where to go for help Health care professionalHealth care professional Social servicesSocial services OnlineOnline

Online Resources Support groups depression depression Chat rooms Blogs ml mlWebsites

If you were Frank’s family member, how could you help? Get helpGet help Encourage him to stick with treatmentEncourage him to stick with treatment Offer emotional supportOffer emotional support Invite him to do thingsInvite him to do things Plan and prepare healthy mealsPlan and prepare healthy meals Do not expect a “quick fix”Do not expect a “quick fix”

What to do if you think you have depression Get helpGet help Get informedGet informed Avoid alcohol and drugsAvoid alcohol and drugs Don’t get upset if you can’t sleepDon’t get upset if you can’t sleep Get out in to the worldGet out in to the world Connect to othersConnect to others

What to do if you think you have depression Participate in activities you enjoyParticipate in activities you enjoy Volunteer your timeVolunteer your time Take care of a petTake care of a pet Learn a new skillLearn a new skill Enjoy jokes and storiesEnjoy jokes and stories Maintain a healthy dietMaintain a healthy diet ExerciseExercise

References AARP (2008). Dispelling myths about depression. Retrieved from Ballas, C. (2005). Depression in the elderly: The basics. Retrieved from Beyond Blue (2008). Depression in older people fact sheet. Retrieved from Duckworth, K. (2006). About mental illness: Depression. Retrieved from entID=23039&lstid=326 entID=23039&lstid=326 Healthy Place (2006). Elderly depression ignored. Retrieved from Healthy Place (2006). Depression in Elderly. Retrieved from Jeste, D. V. (2003). Depression in older persons. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Alzheimer's or depression: Could it be both? Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression: Supporting loved ones through their battle with depression. Retrieved from NIMH (2008). Depression in Elderly Men elderly-men.shtmlhttp:// elderly-men.shtml Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from center.com/Depression/statistics.htmhttp:// center.com/Depression/statistics.htm Segal, J., Jaffe, J., Davies, P. & Smith, M. (2007). Depression in older adults and the elderly: Recognizing the signs and getting help. Retrieved from

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