Dealing with Depression in Senior Citizens

Depression is a serious condition that affects a large portion of senior citizens in the United States. Unfortunately, many seniors don't have a good social support system to provide for their emotional needs. Many of them live alone and are more or less cut off from any social network.

Many seniors are widowed and still grieving the loss of a spouse. Siblings and close friends may have passed on as well. Grown children and grandchildren may live in other parts of the country making close contact difficult and infrequent.

In the United States many elderly people become lonely and depressed. They lack the emotional support that is needed to nurture their well-being. In some other countries, the elderly are respected for their wisdom and remain an important part of their families and communities throughout their lives. Sadly, that type of reverence is lacking in our country.

Depression in the elderly can be brought on by many factors including illness, disability and medication. Depression tends to linger longer in seniors than people of other ages despite treatment but this is understandable since it is most likely compounded by other factors such as medical health conditions. Long-term illness and chronic pain can make the battle with depression even more difficult.

People often suffer from depression after being disabled through injury or illness. Loss of mobility can be devastating to someone who previously was very active and self-reliant. It is very depressing and hard to accept for a person who can no longer care for him/herself and must depend on someone else for assistance.

Depression can have an adverse effect on physical health also. People who are depressed may not take care of themselves properly even though they are still physically able. They may not eat well or get the proper amount of sleep. They can withdraw and become socially isolated. Seniors that are suffering from depression may not take their medication for other health conditions as prescribed.