May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Older adults may struggle with mental health disorders as circumstances and various potential physical health concerns can take a toll on the psyche. Feelings of sadness or loneliness may arise as older adults experience death of loved ones, reduced mobility, illnesses, chronic pain, and/or other challenges. It is essential to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, as it impacts our overall sense of wellbeing and even our physical health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common mental health conditions for older adults are depression and anxiety. Depression is defined by Mayo Clinic as, “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest… it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.” In other words, depression is not the same as sadness. It is a condition that affects your everyday life and requires attention, medication, and/or psychotherapy. It can last weeks, months, or years and can come and go in waves.

What are Depressive Symptoms?

Mental Health America states that “more than two million of the 34 million Americans aged 65 and older suffer from some form of depression.” While depression is common among older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems than most younger people. Knowing the warning signs of depression is essential.

Depression can often have subtle symptoms and may go undiagnosed and untreated. Some symptoms are common among other health issues; therefore, it is best practice to get a medical professional to determine if you have depression or anxiety disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you experience the following symptoms of depression regularly, talk to your doctor and seek help.

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or anxiety
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating
• Personality changes
• Physical aches and pains that are unexplainable
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Loss of interest for sex, socializing, or doing new activities
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or feelings

Help is Available

If you think you may have depression, you are not alone. There are treatments, programs, and resources available. Ask your doctor about what medications are best for you. Help is always available. If you or a loved one is experiencing depressive suicidal thoughts, please contact a suicide hotline.

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are free and confidential.

U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

References:

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
• https://www.mhanational.org/depression-older-adults-more-facts
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mental-and-emotional-health/depression-and-older-adults
• https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/elderly-and-aging#diagnosis
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007