Depression is not a normal part of growing old. It is a medical condition, and it is treatable at any age. Yet in older adults it is often missed, because it does not always look like sadness.
What it can look like
Many older people do not say "I feel low". Families more often notice changes such as these:
- Losing interest in things they used to enjoy, such as prayer, walks, grandchildren or television serials.
- Eating much less, or losing weight without trying.
- Sleeping poorly, waking very early, or staying in bed for most of the day.
- Complaining of aches, tiredness or stomach trouble when tests come back normal.
- Becoming irritable, withdrawn or unusually quiet.
- Saying they are a burden, or that life is no longer worth living.
Why it is easy to miss
These changes are easy to blame on age, on another illness or on a recent loss. Memory and attention can also dip during depression, so it is sometimes mistaken for early dementia. A proper assessment can tell the two apart.
When to seek help
If several of these signs have lasted for more than two weeks, speak to a psychiatrist. If your parent talks about wanting to die or about harming themselves, do not wait: call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or emergency services on 112.
What treatment involves
Treatment usually combines talking with the patient and family, attention to sleep, activity and physical health, and medicine where it is needed. Doses for older adults are chosen with care, taking their other medicines into account.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation.
If someone is at risk right now
Pratiasha is not an emergency service. If someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, call now or go to the nearest hospital.
