Depression Management for Older Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Depression

is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not go away. You may lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Treatment can help improve your daily life.

Common signs and symptoms:

• Appetite changes, or weight gain or loss
• Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Fatigue (being mentally or physically tired) or lack of energy
• Feeling restless, irritable, or withdrawn
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, discouraged, or guilty
• Trouble concentrating, remembering things, doing daily tasks, or making decisions
• Moving or talking slower than usual
• Thoughts about hurting or killing yourself

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You think about hurting yourself or someone else.
• You have done something on purpose to hurt yourself.

Call your therapist or doctor if:

• Your symptoms do not improve.
• You have new symptoms.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

The following resources are available at any time to help you, if needed:

• Contact a suicide prevention organization:
  • For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
    • Call or text 988
    • Send a chat on https://988lifeline.org/chat
    • Call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
  • For the Suicide Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
• For a list of international numbers: https://save.org/find-help/international-resources/

Treatment:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Antidepressant medicine may be given to decrease or manage symptoms. You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before they start working. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed. Also tell your provider about other medicines you take. This will help your provider recommend the right kind for you. Tell your provider if you need help creating a medicine schedule or reminders to take your medicines.

What you can do to manage depression:

• Connect with others. Connection can help after loss, especially on holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. You may want to tutor a young student or volunteer at a local organization. You may also be able to find groups that participate in activities or interests you enjoy. Your religious or spiritual organization may offer activities you can participate in. It may also help to talk with your religious or spiritual leader about how you are feeling.
• Be physically active as directed. Physical activity, such as exercise, can lift your mood, increase energy, and make it easier to sleep. If you have balance problems or other physical limits, your healthcare provider can help you create a safe activity plan. You may enjoy a group exercise class, or a friend may be able to exercise with you.
• Ask about equipment to increase your comfort and mobility. Examples are hearing aids, glasses, large print books, and walkers. These can help you enjoy activities and feel more independent.
• Continue taking medicine and going to therapy. Medicine and therapy can help. It may take some time before your symptoms improve. Talk to your healthcare providers if you notice any change in your depression.
• Seek help for drug or alcohol use, if needed. These can make depression worse. Your healthcare providers can give you information if you need help to quit.

Follow up with your doctor or therapist as directed:

Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and your medicine if you take antidepressants. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support or more information:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
  Arlington , VA 22203
  Phone: 1- 703 - 524-7600
  Phone: 1- 800 - 950-6264
  Web Address: http://www.nami.org
  

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Phone: 1- 800 - 988
  Web Address: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org OR https://988lifeline.org/chat/
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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