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Late-Life Depression:  Signs, Symptoms, and Causes, What You Need to Know

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1. Is depression normal in older people?
2. What causes depression in older people?
3. What are some of the signs of depression?
4. Common myths about depression
5. What you need to know

1. Is depression normal in older people?

Depression is NOT a normal part of getting older. Older adults go through changes that can lead to times of feeling sad. Feeling sad can be normal. But sadness that lasts a long time is not normal. Sadness that makes it hard to do things each day is not normal. It is not normal to think of suicide.

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2. What causes depression in older people?

There are many reasons for older adults to feel sad. These can be:

• Losing loved ones and friends
• Moving
• Losing ability to do things
• Past depression
• Fear of death
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Medical illness
• Chronic or severe pain
• Some medications for health problems
• Feeling alone
• Retirement
• Having few friends
• Not spending time with other people
• Difficulty getting around due to illness
• Being unable to drive

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3.  What are some of the signs of depression?

There are many signs of depression. You may not know about some of them. The next time a friend or a doctor asks you how you are, BEFORE you say, “I am fine,” ask yourself if you feel:

Or if you:

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4.  Common myths about depression

MYTH

“Of course I’m depressed. You would be too if you were sick (or disabled).”

FACT

Older people who are sick are more likely to be depressed. This does not mean that depression is normal. The good news is that even for people who are sick, depression can be treated.

MYTH

“I can pull myself out of it.”

FACT

We can get out of low moods or being sad by ourselves. But true depression needs help from a professional.

MYTH

“I’m too old to change.”

FACT

Depression can be treated no matter how old you are.

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5.  What you need to know

Older people who are depressed are more likely to die. They may die from suicide. They may die from worsening of medical illness. Older people who are depressed are more disabled than people who are not depressed. They also tend to recover poorly from medical illnesses such as stroke or hip fracture.

Depression is common in older adults and can lead to being disabled. Depression can be treated. People who get over depression are healthier. They have a better social life as well.

If you feel that you have any of the signs of depression, it is a good idea to see a mental health professional. Why suffer when you can be helped?

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