For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging web site at: http://www.state.oh.

us/age/
and Ohio State University Extension’s “Aging in Ohio” web site at: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~seniors/
SS-196-02

Am I Depressed?
T he word “depression” is used to de-
scribe two distinct maladies. One use
is to express disappointment. For ex-
ample, if someone doesn’t return your
call or your favorite restaurant is closing.
The other use of the word depression is
medical. This is a physical illness caused
by a biological imbalance in your body,
specifically, in the chemistry of your
brain. Some of the symptoms of medical
depression include:
■ Fatigue
■ Sleep disorders
■ Physical aches and pains
■ Eating irregularities
■ Irritability
if four or more of the symptoms of de-
pression persist for more than two
weeks, or are interfering with work or
family life. With available treatment, 80
percent of the people with serious de-
pression, even those with the most severe
forms, can improve significantly. Symp-
toms can be relieved, usually in a matter
of weeks!
Depression is NOT a personal weak-
ness. It cannot be willed or wished away,
nor is it a lack of character, laziness, or
something you can simply snap out of.
Depression affects people of all ages.
When it affects an older adult, there
could be several causes:
■ Brain chemicals not balanced

■ Difficulty concentrating ■ Genetic factors (depression is a ge-

netic biological illness)
■ Feeling worthless
■ Long-term or sudden illness
■ Guilt
■ Medication side effects
■ Addictions
■ Personality/low self-esteem
■ Suicidal thoughts
■ Losses and changes in life
■ Sad and anxious moods
It is safe to say that as we age, there
According to the National Institutes
are many changes in our lives. Is it pos-
of Health, a thorough diagnosis is needed
 SS-196-02—page 2

sible to assist in the prevention of de-
pression as we age? Specialists suggest
that we foster friendships, develop inter-
ests and hobbies, keep the mind and the
body active, eat nutritious foods, get
regular check-ups, stay involved, and
always use medications properly.
Is it possible to help ourselves if we
are feeling less than enthused about
living and life? Some steps simply might
be to not set unrealistic goals. Set some
priorities for yourself and divide large
tasks into smaller ones. Become involved
in activities that make you feel better and
bring joy. Try not to make major life
decisions without consulting others who
may have a more objective view. Do
NOT expect to snap out of depression
and do NOT blame yourself for not
being up to par.
Remember that depression is a treat-
able illness and not an acceptable way of
life. It is not an inevitable result of aging.
In the older adult, depression is often
mistaken for dementia or just the normal
aging process and therefore, goes un-
treated. A complete physical exam is a
critical first step in helping the older
adult. It is important that the physician
be told of all drugs used by the patient,
including all prescription medications,
over-the-counter medications, supple-
ments, and borrowed medications.
References
McWilliams, Peter. (1994). Do It!
Let’s Get Off Our Buts. Prelude Press:
8159 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los
Angeles, CA 90046.
Sargent, Marilyn. (1990). Helping
the Depressed Person Get Treatment.
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Public Health Service, DHHS
Publication No. (ADM) 90-1675, 1990.

I am now the most miserable man living.

If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family
there would be not one cheerful face on earth.
Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell.
I awfully forebode I shall not.
To remain as I am is impossible; I must die or be better
it appears to me.
—Abraham Lincoln

Author: Lisa Marie Gibson, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County

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All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension
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