Seniors around the country flock to Florida for
its nonstop sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, its
lack of a state income tax and absence of snow.
Florida has the highest percentage of residents age
65 and older - 17.6 percent - of any state.
But for all of the sunshine’s purported benefits
on improving mood, depression and suicide among
Florida’s senior population are a major health care
concern.
“I just didn’t feel like going on anymore,” says
a Jacksonville-area woman, aged 76, who declined to
give her name. “Once my husband died, I sort of lost
motivation to get up in the morning anymore.” She
struggled with depression for years before seeking
treatment.
Aging, with its life changes and inevitable
losses, often precipitates a variety of life
stressors that can lead to depression. Whether it’s
the loss of a longtime spouse, major health problems
and the accompanying medical bills, the loss of
driving privileges, moving from a beloved home to an
assisted living facility, or all of the above,
seniors face unique changes and challenges that can
lead to depression.
While most seniors are satisfied with their
lives, those who are struggling can feel isolated
and overwhelmed. Depression affects an estimated 7
million of the 35 million Americans 65 and older,
according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental
Health.
“Depression is not a normal condition. If seniors
start feeling any of the signs and symptoms of
depression, they should talk to their doctor,” says
Dr. John Montgomery, a family physician, medical
epidemiologist and vice-president of Senior Care
Solutions with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Florida. “It’s a condition that can be treated
medically and should not be considered a natural
part of aging. It’s a myth that seniors
automatically get depressed as they age.”
What Is Depression?
Montgomery says it’s important for loved ones to
be on the lookout for signs of depression in the
seniors close to them. Sadness and low moods can
come and go. Clinical depression, however, is much
more serious than the occasional “down” mood
everyone experiences. Symptoms include:
- A persistent sad or “empty” mood;
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary
activities;
- Decreased energy, fatigue;
- Sleep problems (insomnia, oversleeping,
early morning waking);
- Loss of appetite;
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism;
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide
attempt;
- Irritability;
- Excessive crying; and
- Recurring aches and pains that don’t respond
to medical treatment.
If the feelings and symptoms persist beyond three
months, Montgomery advises seeking medical
treatment. Supportive counseling can help to
ease the pain of depression. Cognitive therapy
to change the pessimistic mindset, unrealistic
expectations and overly critical self-evaluations
that can contribute to major depression is also a
useful treatment.
Additionally, major insurers such as Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of Florida, offer Medicare coverage
options with access to mental health counselors. A
senior’s doctor can prescribe antidepressant
medication as a supplemental treatment, if
appropriate.
Caring For a Depressed Senior
The first step in helping an elderly person who
seems depressed, experts say, is making sure he or
she gets a complete checkup, since their depression
could be a side effect of a pre-existing medical
condition or a medication. If their physician
recommends a psychiatrist or psychologist, the
senior may need reassurance that an evaluation is
necessary to determine if treatment is needed.
And while most people suffering from depression
welcome support, some may be frightened and resist
help. Should an elder friend or relative be
potentially suicidal, mental health counselors say
it’s imperative to actively intervene – by removing
pills or weapons from the senior’s home if need be,
and calling a mental health professional or family
physician for assistance.
“Help is available, and often the biggest
obstacle is encouraging the senior to accept it,”
says Montgomery. “Don’t give up on your senior if
you feel they’re struggling.”
Janet Crozier has more than 30
years of experience working with older adults.
Ms. Crozier holds a Graduate Certificate in Aging
and Adult Services and is a Certified Senior
Advisor. She has served on Northeast Florida
Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors for many
years and has been recognized nationally for her
service to Medicare beneficiaries by the federal
Medicare program. Currently, Ms. Crozier is a
full time Senior Educator with Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Florida.
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