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Late-Life Depression: Treating Depression

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1. Can depression in older adults be treated?
2. How is depression treated?
3. Common myths about depression
4. What you need to know

Can depression in older adults be treated?

The good news about depression in older adults is that it can be treated. Most people who are depressed get better when they are treated. Being depressed can hurt. It can make you feel sick. It can make you sad. It can change the way you think about yourself and others. It can keep you from doing things that you need to do to stay alive. It can keep you from doing things you like. It can even threaten your life. If you are depressed, you may feel worried or be afraid. Depression needs to be treated.

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How is depression treated?

There are several ways to treat depression. One is to take medicine for depression. Talking to a therapist is another. A treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also help.

Medicine for depression may take time to help. It can take several weeks before you begin to feel better. Most people who take this type of medicine are helped by it. Some medicines for depression can have side effects. Ask your doctor what the side effects are for depression medicine. Most of the side effects will go away in the first few weeks. If you have any side effects, tell your doctor so he or she can help you manage them. Sometimes the doctor will change your medicine if there are too many side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor about your medicine. Tell your doctor how it makes you feel. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about all the other medicine that you take including over-the-counter medicine, herbs, and vitamins.

Talking to a therapist can help. When you see a therapist, you may need to go every week for a while. Therapy can help you see things in a better way. Taking medicine and talking to a therapist can give you the best chance of getting better.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is safe and effective. It is sometimes used when a person does not get better with medicine or therapy. Some people who are depressed may have changes in the way they think. ECT can help with this. ECT may cause some brief confusion..

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Common myths about depression

MYTH

“The last thing I need is another pill.”

FACT

People who are depressed may be more sick because of their depression. If they treat their depression they may take fewer pills because they are better. Many medications for depression can be taken just once a day.

MYTH

“Only crazy people see a psychiatrist or therapist.”

FACT

Most of the older people who get mental health care are depressed. There are many people who see a doctor or therapist and they are not considered "crazy".

MYTH

“Medicine for depression will make me a zombie.”

FACT

Most of the medicines for depression do not make you tired or sleepy. They do not change you. They do not make you a “different person.” They can make you feel less sad. You can be less tired. You can sleep better. You can be less anxious.

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What you need to know

Your physical and mental health affects all other parts of your life. Depression is a serious medical problem. It can keep you from doing the things that you want to do. If you are depressed, you cannot just be “cheered up.” You cannot “pull yourself out of it.” The good news is that depression gets better with treatment. Both medicine and therapy can help. It may take time, but feeling better can happen. When depression is gone, you can enjoy your life more. You will be able to sleep and eat better. Your mood will be better. You will be able to cope better.

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