Do you know what depression is? It’s not just feeling sad or blue once in a while. It’s a serious mental health issue that can affect anyone, no matter how old they are. And it’s not something that you have to live with as you get older. Depression is not a normal part of ageing, and it can be treated.
What are the studies saying about depression?
Some people think that depression is inevitable as you age, because you have to deal with things like health problems, disability, loneliness, grief, and stress. But that’s not true. Studies have shown that older adults are actually less likely to get depressed than younger adults, and that they have more happiness and satisfaction in life.
But that doesn’t mean that older adults can’t get depressed. Sometimes, the challenges of ageing can make it harder to spot and treat depression, because they can hide or look like the signs of depression. For example, you might think that losing interest in things you used to enjoy, having trouble sleeping, or feeling tired all the time are just normal parts of getting older. But they could also be symptoms of depression.
How do we know we are depressed and what can we do to ride over it?
So how do you know if you or someone you care about is depressed? Well, if you or they have been feeling down, hopeless, worthless, or guilty for more than two weeks, it’s time to get help. Depression is not a weakness or a fault. It’s a medical condition that can be treated with medication, therapy, or both. And there are many things you can do to cope with depression and feel better, like staying active, socializing, doing things you like, and reaching out to others for support.
Ageing and depression do not correlate.
The bottom line is: depression is not a normal part of ageing. It’s a common and treatable problem that can affect anyone at any age. You are not alone, and you deserve to feel better.
Connect are community and be old and happy!