Director's Message
Depression March 2004March 2004
DEPRESSION
We are coming out of the dark, cold days of winter when just about everyone has a harder time getting up in the morning and getting out into the world. But for some, the “blues” don’t lift, or even get harder because it seems like everyone else is perking up.
HarvardMedicalSchool research indicates that nearly one third of people over age 65 experience some form of depression (Newsweek January 19, 2004 p. 66). This may be due to the losses of health, friends, family and social status associated with old age. It may be a side effect of medications taken for other health problems. Or it may be a “vascular depression” where reduced blood flow damages nerve pathways and affects mood and motivation.
Indicators of depression include:
All too often, these factors are considered “normal” in older adults, and dismissed by family and medical practitioners. Sometimes they are attributed to other conditions or events, or we have become too accustomed to “toughing it out” and not asking for help.
The first step to overcoming depression is to acknowledge it. This helps turn it into a challenge to overcome. You can then apply the problem-solving skills that have worked for you in the past. Diane Keaton is quoted as saying “But happiness? I don’t know. Isn’t life really a series of problem-solving events? It’s how much you’re engaged by the fun of solving your problems, and continuing to be curious. That’s as much as you can expect.” (Newsweek 12.08.03). Attitude can be the difference between seeing an event as a solvable challenge or an overwhelming obstacle.
Michael C. Miller, MD, in the January Newsweek article, recommends staying busy. Keep as physically and mentally active as your health allows. His second recommendation is to stay connected. Find ways to talk about the meaning of your life. Find new relationships to replace those lost through retirement. If friends and family are not enough, make new connections. Volunteering can give a new sense of purpose, build self-esteem and build new friendships. PSRC offers many opportunities to exercise the mind and body and to make new social connections.
If these things don’t work for you, seek the help of a physician or therapist to explore the benefits of medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy. You do not have to accept depression as a normal part of aging.
Susan W. Hoskins LCSW
|
Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |