Depression in Later Life

What Everyone Should Know

• Depression in later life is a common problem.
• As many as one in ten people feel so depressed that others notice.

In later life we are vulnerable to depression because of :

Physical problems such as :

• dementia
• stroke
• cancer
• heart attack
• arthritis

And losses such as :

• loss of loved ones
• loss of in come
• loss of work
• loss of physical abilities
• loss of roles (retirement)

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR /ATTITUDE

• general slowing down
• neglect of responsibilities and appearance
• loss or change of appetite
• loss or gain of weight

DIFFERENT FEELINGS/PERCEPTIONS

• inability to find pleasure in anything
• loss of sexual desire
• loss of warm feelings for family and friends
• exaggerated self-blame or guilt
• loss of self-esteem
• suicidal thoughts or actions
• feeling sad or hopeless
• feeling flat or empty
• feeling tense or worried

PHYSICAL COMPLAINTS

• sleeping less or more than usual
• chronic fatigue, lack of energy
• unexplained headaches, backaches, or other similar complaints
• digestive upsets, stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, changes in bowel habits.

BUT .......

when symptoms are SEVERE and LASTING, so that pain and problems outweigh pleasure much of the time, then it's time to get QUALIFIED HELP

 

Treatment and strategies may include :-

• Prescription of appropriate anti-depressants
• Review of current medication (some types of treatment may make depression worse e.g. sedatives)
• Treatment of physical problems
• Education about depression for yourself and others
• Counselling / group therapy
• Other treatments recommended by the doctor

Remember ......

Depression in later life is a common problem.

Treatment is successful and available.

Treatment is enhanced by social support

• G.P. (General Practitioner)
• Community Health Centres in your area
• Mental Health Services for Older People

• Local Councils
• Mental Health Resource Centre - Ph. 8221 5159
• Seniors Information Service - pH 8232 1441
• Migrant Health Service - pH 8200 3900
• Nunkuwarrin Yunti - pH 8223 5217

• G.P. (General Practitioner)
• Local or District Hospital
• Community Health Centre
• Rural and Remote Triage - Phone : 13 14 65

This same information is contained in our brochure.
To obtain a hard copy of the brochure please contact :-

Alzheimer's Association
27 Conyngham Street, Glenside 5065
pH: (08) 8372 2100
fax: (08) 8338 3390
Country 1800 639 331