Is Depression Common in Elderly People?

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders for people over 65, but several evidence-based treatment options exist to alleviate it. Many of our Waukesha and Middleton community members have elderly parents, grandparents, or family friends who struggle with feelings of sadness. But depression is a serious mood disorder that often reaches beyond sadness into hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and noticeable detachment that lasts for weeks or months on end. 

How Does Miramont Treat Depression For The Elderly?

Miramont Behavioral Health knows how to treat depression for people of various age groups, and we’re proud to say that specialized care for older adults is one of our strongest suits. 

You can find some of the most effective treatment options for depression below—and even if we don’t offer these specific methods, we can help advise you on their benefits and potential side effects:

• Psychotherapy and talk therapy methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help identify and change negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to depression. 
• Prescribed depression medications can help balance mood-regulating hormones like serotonin. When medical professionals tailor these medications to individual needs and pair them with other treatments, the combination can be a game-changer for managing depression.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses safe, mild electrical currents to stimulate a person with a severe case of depression whose brain may not respond to other treatments. In all cases, patients must receive ECT under medical supervision.
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to target specific brain regions. Patients don’t need to worry about anesthesia or side effects like fatigue or memory loss with rTMS. 

If you need help planning your next steps in treating your depression or supporting a depressed older person, check out our intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Waukesha. Our IOP staff has the training and experience to provide treatment and support for depression. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Continue reading to learn more about depression and why the elderly can be vulnerable to the disorder. 

Why Causes Depression in Older Adults?

If you’re trying to understand why your older family member suffers from depression, here are some key depression contributors that may help you contextualize the situation: 

• Aging brings biological shifts in brain chemistry and hormonal imbalances and may increase the risk of depression. Old age might also include chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease for some people, further straining their mental health.
• Getting older changes a person’s psychology—sometimes abruptly.  Stress, the loss of loved ones, unresolved trauma, rapid changes in technology and culture, or past experiences can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness. Sometimes, people also suffer from cognitive decline, like memory challenges—and losing the ability to recall things quickly may cause distress and anxiety to spike.
• Moving closer to the end of your life can sometimes mean the end of certain social dynamics. When your elderly friend’s loved ones pass away from old age, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and grief may severely impact their well-being. The disconnect that limited social support or a lack of meaningful connections causes may also push an elderly person further into depression. 

These contributors might also occur all at once, creating a complex and overwhelming picture of depression for your family member. If your parent or spouse is elderly and lives alone, faces financial instability, or struggles with grief, understanding that each of these situations may intensify depression can help you empathize and build awareness. 

How to Help Your Elderly Loved One Treat Their Depression

You can play an important, proactive, compassionate role in helping your elderly loved one manage and recover from depression. Begin by approaching the person and opening up direct lines of communication, allowing them to express their feelings and thoughts without fear. 

Here are some practical steps to create an open, caring atmosphere that highlights an elderly family member’s health and wellness:

• Support their ability to eat a balanced diet, get regular physical activity, and cut down on alcohol or tobacco use. Sometimes the easiest way to support these healthy habits is by inviting them to do sober or outdoor activities together.
• Create opportunities for them to attend social connections like family gatherings, community events, or support groups that help lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Be there to assist with everyday tasks such as arranging medical appointments, managing medications, or accessing transportation when needed.

If you feel lost in how to implement these tips, we can help connect you with local communities, creative arts groups, educational classes, or volunteer organizations. We can also guide you individually in navigating your loved one’s depression with hope and resilience, helping you both to feel valued and supported every step of the way.