Are You a Senior with Depression? 5 Ways to Get Better

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on September 12, 2017

Are You a Senior with Depression? 5 Ways to Get Better

Taking care of mental health is one of the most important things a senior can do. Depression is an illness that—left untended—may have serious consequences. Unfortunately, because its symptoms are typically invisible to the naked eye, depression can be hard to diagnose.

If you think you may be among the one in five seniors who suffer from depression, don’t lose hope. There are ways to minimize depression’s impact and get back to an active and satisfying lifestyle. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of these methods.

1) Don’t ignore subtle signs and the early stages of depression

Just like any physical malady, early diagnosis and prevention are key to minimizing depression before it becomes overbearing. Depression can take many forms, but the first warning signs of depression may be feelings that seem “normal” or “common.” Older adults feeling lonely, alienated, or inexplicably sad may be experiencing the onset of depression.

When self-assessing, it’s helpful to ask yourself if you feel that you still enjoy person-to-person interactions and pursuing hobbies. These are particularly critical questions because depression can lead to compounded feelings of isolation as time goes on. If the activities that used to bring joy on a regular basis have lost their luster, it may be time to take action.

2) Regular exercise is important

Evidence overwhelmingly suggests that daily exercise is one of the biggest contributors to a healthy mental well-being. This is true for people of all ages, but can be critical for older adults. Living a less active lifestyle can exacerbate symptoms of depression.

If high-impact activities are out of the question for you, good news—almost any type of physical activity can elevate your mood and combat depression. This includes going for short walks or participating in low-impact pool-based exercises.

Exercise isn’t a magic bullet, but if you’re noticing a reduction in your general enthusiasm and energy levels as you age, it may be helpful to get your blood flowing every day in one form or another. Best of all—exercise helps ward off other physical illnesses that can appear post-retirement when lifestyles tend to be less active than they were before.

3) Stay social

As mentioned, social isolation not only contributes to depression but is often worsened by it. To lessen the impact of feelings of isolation, commit to regular social engagements with friends and communities of people that share your interests and values. In short, it’s helpful to get out more.

Opportunities like volunteering or working a low-stress, part-time job, participating in social hobbies, and attending events organized by elder societies can help tackle feelings of isolation and mitigate the symptoms of depression.

4) Consider caring for a pet

Unconditional love—like that of a pet—may be just what the doctor ordered. Especially if you’ve previously cherished a dog, cat, or other affectionate breed of animal, having a furry friend can keep depression at bay. Caring for another being with love and devotion can give seniors a sense of purpose and companionship.

That said, having a pet may not be the best option for all seniors. This is especially true if you have a complicated living arrangement or a slower lifestyle. If you’d like to experience similar benefits with a little less maintenance, volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog or at a local animal shelter.

5) Take depression seriously—talk to a professional

In many cases, methods of mitigating depression like those mentioned above are all a senior needs to lift the clouds of depression. However, if you’re facing intense or persistent feelings of depression—or experience a traumatic life event—don’t take it lightly. Connect with a mental health professional.  Depressive episodes that feel like more than just bereavement or stress could have a lasting negative impact on your well-being.

Mental health professionals are great for providing a listening ear and offering suggestions for helpful ways to change your lifestyle. They may also offer medications and treatments to significantly reduce the impacts of depression more quickly.

Even if just as a temporary measure, consider taking medication for depression. It may be one of best ways to work through a particularly difficult period. Of course, if you feel medication is the right path for you, it’s crucial to work with a medical professional to avoid dangerous drug combinations or unwanted side effects.

Consult with a physician, therapist, and/or a psychiatrist to find out if depression may be a serious problem for you. They’ll help guide you through the appropriate steps to work through the illness. You may feel that you want to be self-reliant or that going to a doctor for help is an admission of weakness, but working with a mental health professional may the be surest way of getting to the root of the cause and helping you get your life back on track.