While certainly common in older populations, depression is not considered a normal part of the aging process. For many years, depression in elderly people went greatly undiagnosed. Often the symptoms presented looked different than what doctors saw in their younger patients and were explained away as either a side effect of a particular medication or a reaction to a condition they were experiencing. In recent years, however, the medical community has seen an increase in the recognition and treatment of depression in the elderly. While there is still a lot of progress to be made with regards to treatment methods, family and friends play a vital role in the process.
Here are a few ways you can help an elderly loved one who may be depressed:
Recognize the signs: Although depression symptoms vary from person to person, be on the lookout for sudden or drastic changes in their behavior and outlook on life. The most common symptoms include irritability, severe sadness, lack of interest in activities, sleep loss, restlessness and a general withdrawal from people.
Help them clearly define it: Depression is an illness. Because of the stigma it often carries, many elderly people have trouble coming to terms with the reality of their sickness. Older generations often subscribe to the “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” mentality and do not receive the help they need because they either do not believe they need it or will not ask for it.
Participate in their care: Once your loved one agrees to receive treatment for their depression, try your best to be involved. It is helpful for doctors to have the perspective of family members when treating depression, however, because of the stringent confidentiality laws in geriatric psychology, therapists cannot disclose information to family members without patient consent.
Listen: When your parent is no longer able to participate in certain activities, such as driving or cooking, offering to do it for them probably won’t cheer them up. Instead, talk to them, ask them how they’re feeling and listen! Listening is a way to honor their emotions while offering direct comfort to them.
Remember, depression is a sickness that requires treatment. Do not hesitate to seek help if your parent or aging loved one is exhibiting signs of depression. The care they receive will benefit their overall health and will likely give them a new lease on life.
David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide.
Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
