May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a time to raise awareness of mental health conditions and reduce stigma around them. You can turn your attention to individuals who may not be getting their mental health needs met – seniors – specifically depression in seniors.
Depression in seniors can present differently than in younger adults. Factors such as age-related changes, coexisting medical conditions, and life circumstances can make depression symptoms appear different in them.
To provide seniors with much-needed mental health services, caregivers must pay attention to the signs and symptoms they present. In this article, we are going to talk about the most common signs of depression in seniors and how primary care doctors can provide timely intervention and help improve their health and wellness.
Signs of Depression in Seniors
It is important to know that depression is not a part of being a senior. Mental health conditions such as depression need to be addressed as medical conditions.
If you are caring for your senior parent or have a caregiver, here are common signs of a depressed senior:
#1 Increasing Physical Complaints
Seniors may emphasize physical symptoms like unexplained aches and pains or digestive issues rather than expressing emotional distress directly. They might attribute their symptoms more to physical ailments than to mental health concerns, and express feelings of general malaise or bodily distress.
#2 Cognitive Impairment
Depression in seniors can coexist with cognitive decline or dementia. Memory difficulties and confusion may be more prominent, making it challenging to distinguish between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.
#3 Changes in Sleep Patterns
Insomnia or oversleeping can be indicative of depression in seniors. Changes in sleep patterns, especially if accompanied by restlessness, may signal an underlying mental health issue.
#4 Loss of Interest or Pleasure
A sign of good mental health is a desire to engage or participate in activities. A noticeable decline in interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed could be a sign of depression. Seniors may withdraw from social interactions and hobbies.
#5 Changes in Appetite or Weight
Significant changes in appetite, whether leading to weight loss or gain, can be indicative of emotional distress associated with depression in seniors.
#6 Social Isolation and Loneliness
Seniors may experience increased isolation due to factors such as retirement, loss of friends or family members, or physical limitations. Feelings of loneliness can be a significant contributor to depression in this age group. A sense of isolation may also exacerbate the emotional distress associated with depression.
#7 Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Depression can impact cognitive function, affecting concentration and the ability to make decisions. In seniors, this can present as being indecisive or forgetful.
#8 Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness
Seniors with depression may express feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness. They may perceive their circumstances as insurmountable or without purpose.
#9 Increasing Emphasis on Family and Legacy
Seniors may express concerns about their legacy, leaving a financial burden on their family, or being a burden on loved ones. These concerns may be indicators of depressive thoughts.
#10 Suicidal Thoughts or Ideation
While suicide risk is a concern across age groups, older adults may express thoughts of death or suicide more directly. It’s crucial to take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously and seek immediate help.
It is common for older generations to be reluctant to seek for mental health issues. For them, there is a stigma attached to mental health issues, which can make them view depressive symptoms as a natural part of aging rather than a treatable condition. For this reason, family members and caregivers can advocate for them and be attentive to both emotional and physical indicators of depression.
How a Primary Care Doctor Can Help with Depression in Seniors
A primary care doctor is trained in providing patients with overall care. The physician plays a crucial role in addressing depression in seniors by providing comprehensive care through regular check-ups. A primary care doctor can screen for depression and use validated assessment tools to identify potential signs and symptoms of depression. They also collaborate with mental health professionals to develop personalized care plans for the patient.
Primary Care for Seniors in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX
If you are looking for comprehensive primary care services for your senior loved one, the doctors at Palm Primary Care are more than happy to be their primary care doctor. We provide compassionate mental health services for seniors, among many other things.
We offer a lot of advantages to our patients, from doctors who specialize in senior care to 24/7 access to our care team. We are also happy to offer convenient services such as same-day appointments to medical transportation services. Our primary care providers can tailor our programs according to your loved one’s needs.
If you reside in the communities we serve, we can arrange a free and optional visit to your preferred location, complete with complimentary transportation. For any questions about our services or to schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, call our office today at (866) 840-7728 or use our online form.
