Mental wellness and older adults

Last Modified: 4/28/2020

depression and elderly

This post was written by Jane Holliday, psychiatric care navigator, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute.

Although depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, a recurring misconception is that it only affects younger generations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects about 1%-5% of the general elderly population, 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and 11.5% in older hospital patients. Furthermore, more than 50% of Americans will experience a mental health illness during their lifetime. But, unfortunately, not everyone who experiences a mental illness will receive treatment.

Not a natural part of aging

Depression may seem like a normal part of the aging process especially when dealing with life-changing issues like medications, illnesses or declining health, death of loved ones, loneliness, financial problems, an inability to work and contestant feelings of anxiety or nervousness. However, depression is a true medical condition that can affect anyone at any age and is treatable. Fortunately, many cases can be successful by way of medication and/or talk therapy.

How does depression begin?

Often a downward spin into mental illness starts with stress from feeling overwhelmed and a loss of control. The current COVID-19 pandemic is causing many to feel more out of control and anxious than normal. Overnight we’ve watched our daily routines change and our freedom and independence limited.

With this added stress, as well as the new practice of social distancing and sheltering in place, our bodies and minds are now officially on overload. When anyone is under a level of constant stress for an extended period, cortisol levels in your body increase and neurotransmitters in the brain decrease.

Fortunately, our bodies can reveal when we’re getting too stressed. Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, backaches and sleep issues can develop. Emotionally, we’re alerted when irritability, anger, racing thoughts, excessive worry, restlessness or an inability to focus make their way to the surface.

Stress disrupts our healthy coping strategies and increases the unhealthy ones and turning to drugs or alcohol to cope only creates more problems. Consistent routines are known to help regulate our mood. With the sudden change in our daily routines, our brains were flooded with emotions, but keeping stress under control is imperative. To help manage your stress, try remembering this acronym, SELF:

Sleep: It’s important that you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This amount of time is needed to be able to think clearly, control emotions and perform daily activities.
Exercise: Physical exercise can help manage stress. Try walking 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. This increases endorphins, the “feel-good chemicals” in your body.
Leisure: Remember to do things you enjoy like reading, music, puzzles, crafts, woodworking, gardening, talking to friends or watching a movie with your family.
Food and water: Food is fuel for your body. Make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting unhealthy snacking. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. It helps to dilute the cortisol in your bloodstream. Remember, 8 glasses or more a day helps the body function properly.

Long term effects

If stress continues and nothing is done to alleviate it, depression can set in. Feelings of sadness, crying, mood swings, changes in sleep or appetite, loss of concentration, anxious thoughts, decreased energy, a loss of interest or a combination of any of these lasting two weeks should be reported to your doctor or mental health provider.

When people can’t find relief from their depression, suicide can seem like the only solution, especially when not thinking clearly. When these thoughts become more pronounced and a plan materializes, immediate help needs to be sought after. Medication, talk therapy or even hospitalization may be necessary to keep someone safe. Furthermore, continuing with any of these strategies, in an outpatient setting, could help someone see that the light at the end of the tunnel shines on recovery.

In addition, clinical depression may occur without any apparent reason for your change of mood. This could be due to a chemical imbalance or change in the brain or a medical condition. Medications and/or talk therapy is usually recommended. Grief and sadness from a major loss are normal, but if it continues and disrupts your life, please seek help.

Finally, if left unimpeded, mental and physical health issues can quickly surface. Mental illnesses are just as real as physical illnesses. Both require attention, and with supportive treatment from a trained professional, healing can begin. Don’t wait to reach out for help to start the process.