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Help to stay at home for people with depression and anxiety
Depression is a serious disease – far more complex than simply feeling moody or blue. And significantly, older people experience similar symptoms to younger people – only these symptoms often go unrecognised, misdiagnosed or poorly treated. For example, we mistakenly think of symptoms such as loss of sleep, memory, or concentration as being simply age-related. Diagnosis is harder, too, because older people often feel comfortable talking about physical complaints rather than acknowledging depression as anything more than sadness. Also, when depression combines with dementia, there is an added complexity in diagnosis.
If you’re suffering from depression, the good news is that safe and effective treatments are available. But the first step to progress is in recognising the symptoms. Do any of the symptoms listed below seem familiar? If so, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Watch for:
- increased moodiness
- memory and concentration problems
- feelings of sadness, anxiety or avoidance of certain situations
- behaviour that is ‘out of character’
- lack of enthusiasm and energy
- feeling unworthy
- irritability and sensitivity
- social withdrawal
- feelings of hopelessness
- losing interest in the activities of others
- headaches, backaches or digestive complaints without a proper medical explanation
- loss of interest in food or exercise
- increased alcohol and drug use
- reckless behaviour
- difficulty sleeping
- fatigue, pain, or
- suicidal thoughts.
The link between ageing and depression
Most surveys show that depression is not that common among older persons living at home who remain in good health. However, there does appear to be a link between disability and depression, as well as bereavement, loneliness, chronic pain, social isolation and the loss of independence. None of these in themselves creates depression, for example, it’s normal to grieve for a loved one. But if this turns to depression it must be recognised and treated.
Read more: About depression and anxiety explained
Preventing depression
If you want to prevent depression, stay active and involved with life, family and friends. Try to maintain fitness, too, as this will increase your social interaction as well as reducing the risk of common health problems. You can also prevent depression by making lifestyle changes, improving your diet, moderating your alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
Treating depression
If you suffer from depression, the treatment you receive will be the same as for any other age group. However, if you’re taking antidepressants your doctor will need to know what other medication you’re on to make certain that the drugs can be taken together. Antidepressants are generally started at a low dose and may take longer to get to work in older people, as well as having more side effects.
These drugs can be combined with psychological therapies, exercise and other treatments.
Where to get help:
- Your doctor
- A counsellor or a psychologist
- A community mental health service
- Lifeline on 131 114
- The Mental Health Foundation on (03) 9427 0407, or
- BeyondBlue website.
More Information about other mental health issues
Information about specific mental illnesses can be found in a series of brochures produced as part of the National Mental Health Strategy. They include:
- What is depression?
- What is bipolar mood disorder?
- What is schizophrenia?
- What are eating disorders?
- What are anxiety disorders?
Free copies of all brochures are available from the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 066 247.
