What Causes Depression

According to the World Health Organization, 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In the United States alone, approximately 6.7 percent of all adults have experienced a severe episode of depression in the last year. The good news is that older adults are among the few who have a lowered risk. It is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of older people suffer from depression.

Depression is not a natural part of the aging process, and most seniors feel a sense of satisfaction with their lives and are less likely to suffer depression. However, some risk factors may put you at risk of depression. In this article, we will first distinguish what causes depression in the elderly and younger people. Then, we will consider a few risk factors and how you can prevent them.

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Depression - The Old Versus The Young

The causes for depression in the elderly are quite different from those of the younger generation. Young adults may experience depression for reasons such as bullying, family problems, stressful relationships, weight problems, or a financial setback. These reasons aren’t as valid for older adults.

Depression can be linked to chronic illness or the loss of a loved one in the elderly. Sadly, signs of depression may go unnoticed since older adults often lose their support systems. In the younger generation, changes in behavior or energy levels are easily noticed by those around them, whereas older people are expected to slow down, making diagnosis more difficult.

The symptoms of depression in older adults also differs from younger people. For example, younger people experience symptoms such as guilt and worthlessness while older adults have somatic symptoms including sleep disturbance and agitation.

Because depression in older people is under-recognized, it is essential to be aware of the risk factors. If you find yourself losing interest in life or having problems sleeping, do not brush this away as being part of old age. Consider the following causes and risk factors of depression and analyze whether you are at risk.

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

Research shows that 50 percent of older adults who experience depression have no previous history with the condition. This research implies that depression in older adults may be associated with age-related factors such as chronic illness, congenic impairment, and deteriorating health.

Depression and other illnesses

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and heart problems can increase your risk of depression. Also, medication taken to cure these diseases can cause side effects that trigger depression. Both the psycho-social and physical adjustment to such chronic illnesses can trigger a bout of depression. Here are some conditions that increase your risk of depression:

Diabetes or other endocrine disorders: According to reports, about 20 percent sufferers of Type 1 Diabetes present depressive symptoms.

Insomnia and other sleep disorders: Not only is this condition a symptom of depression, but in older adults may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms.

Heart disease: The prevalence rates of depression n older adults diagnosed with heart disease is estimated at 20-25 percent

Parkinson’s disease: This debilitating condition usually co-exists with depression and depressive symptoms may even be a prelude to the condition.

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Changes in the Brain

Scientists have discovered that the brains of older adults who develop the first episode of depression have spots that may be lacking in blood flow. This condition of restricted blood flow is called ischemia and may be a result of years of blood pressure. Over time, blood vessels may become rigid, making it difficult for blood to flow to the brain.

Chemical changes in the brain cells can also cause depression. Such a chemical imbalance can occur when certain chemicals called neurotransmitters are not in the right balance. Scientists believe that factors such as genetics, stress, and trauma may cause such an imbalance. Traumatic events in an older person’s life, such as the loss of a spouse can trigger this imbalance.

Psychological Risk Factors

These factors are quite similar to the risk factors in younger adults. For example, a change in one's health that prevents them from enjoying physical activities they once loved can increase the risk of depression. Grief and loss are other psychological factors that can put one at risk.

Medications that cause depression

There are several medications commonly prescribed to older adults to treat conditions such as pain and anxiety that can contribute to depressive symptoms. These medications include:

• Anti-pain medicines such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, opioids and anticonvulsants

• Agitation prevention medication in the form of antipsychotics

• Depressants including zopiclone and benzodiazepine

• Parkinson’s disease medication such as levodopa

If you are prescribed any of the mentioned medications, and notice a change in your mood, consult your physician immediately.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression should not be confused with the typical feeling of sadness or grief after a traumatic event. If you experience depressive symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, here are some of the most common symptoms of depression in older adults:

• Feelings of negativity or hopelessness

• Lowered energy levels and fatigue

• Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that one loves

• Insomnia or other sleeping disorders such as excessive seeping or wakefulness in the mornings

• Changes in eating whether it is eating more or less which results in sudden weight loss or gain

• Difficulty making decisions, concentrating or remembering details

• Constant aches and pains, headaches or cramps that do not get better with medication

• Digestive problems

• Moodiness, irritability or restlessness

• Moving or talking at a slower pace

• Crying frequently for no immediate reason

• Thoughts of dying, death or suicide

Tips to Help Prevent Depression

Since depression is considered a medical condition and not just a symptom, there is a lot you can do to lower your risk. Here are some practical tips you can take right now.

Know your risk level and take action

It is crucial that you take a personalized approach when it comes to depression prevention. Everyone is different, and as we have discussed, various risk factors may apply to different individuals. Start by analyzing your life right now and identify whether you are at risk.

Have you been diagnosed with a chronic illness lately? Have you lost a loved one in death? Do you have a support system in place? How do you feel about the quality of your life?

Get immediate help if you need it

If you are already experiencing some of the symptoms we mentioned earlier, do not wait for it to get worse, seek medical advice immediately. The earlier you get help, the higher your chances of preventing a severe episode of depression that may affect you in the long term.

Boost your self-esteem

One of the secrets to dealing with getting older is building your self-esteem. Try keeping your mind and body active by learning something new. Although you already have accomplished so much in your life, there is always room to grow. The more you give yourself something to be proud of, the less likely you are to feel helpless and depressed.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

As we have discussed, developing a chronic illness increase your risk of depression significantly. Many of these diseases such as coronary heart disease can be prevented or at least delayed, so start developing better habits right away. For example, you can incorporate natural remedies to reduce cholesterol in your diet while still enjoying your favorite meals.

Exercise is another healthy habit that has no substitute. When it comes to relieving anxiety and depression, the psychologist says that even a 10-minute walk can provide the same psychological benefits as a 45-minute walk. One study found that those who exercised rigorously had a 25 percent lower risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders in the next five years.

Keep connected to others

Spend time with the family and friends you have and always be willing to make new friends and connect with others. Having a support system in place can significantly reduce your risk of depression because it will rule out any feelings of loneliness while providing a safe place to express your emotions.

If you have a hard time finding new friends, you can think of joining a support group or club to help you reach out to more people. Make a list of contacts of family members or friends whom you can call when you need someone to talk.

Conclusion

Depression is something to take seriously, especially if you are older. With all the possible conditions you have, it is easy to feel depressed so be alert. Know yourself enough to recognize when something is not right and never assume it is just part of the aging process. Millions of seniors live long, healthy, happy lives without a bout of depression, and so can you! Know your risk factors, recognize the symptoms, and do what you can to prevent the condition.