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the blog of Porter Hills

Understanding Depression as a Treatable Illness

October 15th, 2019
Jessica Mays
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It is so easy for society to place mental health on the back burner when there are many other chronic health concerns. However, the approach that we have taken as a society is not sustainable and it is clouding our quality of life as a whole. Medical professionals in general tend to focus on tangible disease processes but we are now realizing that we need to adopt a more holistic approach to health care. The holistic approach encompasses not only the physical issues, but the mental and spiritual needs as well.

Depression is not a normal part of aging. It is important to note most statistics regarding depression are only estimates. This is due to continued stigma associated with this illness which leads to under-reporting. Depression often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the older adult population because the symptoms are not recognized as depression. Many depressed seniors claim not to be sad or depressed at all. They may talk about being discouraged, lack of energy or physical problems. For the older adults of today the stigma was even more prevalent.

Depression can be a challenge not only for the person affected by the depression but for caregivers as well. Often caregivers become frustrated or feel inadequate when they are unable to help a person struggling with depression. Caregivers and older adults that feel they may be struggling with depression can find guidance and support by accessing resources listed at the bottom of this blog.

Statistics from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation:

An estimated 6% of adults 65 years and older have diagnosable depression
Depression affects approximately 25% of people that have a chronic illness in particular
An estimated 50% of nursing home residents have depression
Of older adults that have committed suicide, 40% have seen their primary care provider within a week

Manifestation of depression in the senior population:

Unexplained pain
Unexplained memory problems
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Easily overwhelmed
Anxiety or worries
Irritability
Loss of interest in hobbies or socialization
Neglecting personal care (i.e. skipping meals, meds, hygiene)
Sleep disturbance

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation reports that depression is one of the most successfully treated illnesses. When properly diagnosed and treated more than 80% of those with this illness recover and return to their normal lives.

Common treatments:

Talk therapy- Talk therapy allows a person to express and explore their feelings in a safe and open way with a non-family member. Talk therapy can help people work through the grieving process which can be triggered by loss of independence, health complications, loss of family or friends, some of which can have accumulated over time.
Medications- There are many types of medications that work on different mechanisms of the brain to improve neuropathways.

Treatments used for severe depression:

ECT- Electro-convulsive Therapy. This treatment is used when a person has not responded to medications or talk therapy. In society there has been misrepresentation of this form of treatment. There have been advances made with this therapy that have increased the success rate and safety when utilizing this method.

Tips for helping an older adult friend or relative that you believe may be depressed:

Remember when trying to help an older adult with depression that they are battling a real illness. When they refuse outings or your offers to help them, they are likely struggling and not purposefully trying to be difficult or unreasonable. It is important not to take this behavior personally and to continue to be gentle and persistent.

Invite them out and suggest activities that you can do together
Schedule regular social activities and be gently insistent if your plans are refused
Approach can make a big difference
Ensure they are taking their medications

If you need assistance, Porter Hills Home Care offers Mental Health services. Please follow this link for contact information http://www.porterhills.org/services/home-care/mental-health-services/