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Depression is not a normal part of aging. Yet depression is a widely underrecognized and undertreated medical illness.
At your next doctor's visit, BEFORE you say, "I am fine," ask yourself if you feel:
- guilty or worthless
- nervous or "empty"
- very tired and slowed down
- you don't enjoy things the way you used to.
- restless or irritable
- like no one loves you
- like life is not worth living
Or if you are:
- sleeping more or less than usual
- eating more or less than usual
- having persistent headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain
These may be signs of depression, a treatable medical illness. Talk to a doctor or other health care professional. more>>
Additional information on depression, not older adults, including details on signs and symptoms specific to, treatment options, research, and where to go for help. more>>
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Related Information
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Depression and Other Illnesses:
Depression often co-occurs with other serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. Because many older adults face these illnesses as well as various social and economic difficulties, health care professionals may mistakenly conclude that depression is a normal consequence of these problems—an attitude often shared by patients themselves. These factors together contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of depressive disorders in older people. Depression can and should be treated when it co-occurs with other illnesses, for untreated depression can delay recovery from or worsen the outcome of these other illnesses.
- Medications
- Senior's Health Information from the NLM's MedlinePlus, in English and Spanish.
- NIH Senior Health, with resources from the NIH for people over 60 to find answers to their medical questions.
- Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts, 2003
Research
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