Depression not a natural consequence of aging

With the temperature continuing to rise and air bursting with spring rebirth, it is hard to be in a bad mood or feel sad. Or is it? For some people, the warm weather and fragrant air, or even a favorite ice cream parlor opening for the season, is not enough to lift the mental dark clouds.

While seniors may call it being down in the dumps, having the blues or being woebegone, depression, by any name, is still a serious illness.

Depression is not a natural consequence of aging, but it can be mistaken for dementia. Similar symptoms, including confusion, slow movements and losing interest in things once enjoyed, may lead to a misdiagnosis. An evaluation by a specially trained mental health professional can differentiate between the two diseases.

Other symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

. Feelings of hopelessness about the future.

. Difficulty making decisions.

. Feeling worthless and not needed by anyone.

. Unusual tiredness.

. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.

. Eating much less or more than usual.

. Often feeling fidgety or restless.

Depression is certainly not limited to seniors, but some of the reasons for depression can be unique to them. For example, some medications, cardiac conditions, strokes, Parkinson’s disease and cancer can have the side effect of depression. A chemical imbalance in the brain and suppressed childhood trauma can result in depression later in life and the sense of loss as family and friends begin to pass away, leaving the senior at higher risk for loneliness.

Keep in mind that there is a 50 percent chance of recurrence if one has had an episode of depression in the past. The figure rises to 75 percent for two past episodes.

Seniors do not have to live with depression and again, it is not a natural consequence of aging. Two of the most common treatments are antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Chemical imbalances can usually be treated with both methods, while situational cases often require therapy alone.

These treatments can be short term, ranging from a few visits to much longer, and while sometimes it is hard to ask for help when your head is saying, “I should be able to handle this on my own like everything else in my life,” it is not that simple.

There also may be embarrassment and a fear that “people will find out and put me away.” Seniors also worry they will be a burden and a bother to their families or friends.

If you are feeling down and it has lasted for more than two weeks, it is time to tell your health care provider.

Depression is an illness and it is not your fault. If you are not taking pleasure in things that used to bring a smile to your face, and you’ve realized that you don’t laugh easily anymore, see your doctor. I have heard too many seniors tell me that they don’t enjoy life as much, but they’re just getting older and it is to be expected. It’s not to be expected. Work with your doctor. You may be surprised at the results.

And for some more information about depression, Robin Long, assistant director of Caring Connection, wants you to know that the Bone Health Information and Discussion Group meeting at 10 a.m. Friday, May 11, at the Bangor Y on Second Street, will feature Mai-Huong Nguyen, licensed clinical social worker.

“She will talk about depression and how to understand the impact of depression from the individual, family and community perspectives,” said Long. “She’ll also be exploring practices that can alleviate depressive symptoms and promote healing.”

This group is free, so for more information call the Bangor Y at 941-2808 ext. 338.

Carol Higgins is communications director at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.