6 Depression can set in at any age Depression can happen to any of us as we age, and it can have many causes. It might be brought on by the loss of a loved one or other life changes. It may run in your family. Sometimes, it goes hand in hand with an illness like heart disease or cancer. The side effects of medicines can play a role in depression too. Whatever its cause, depression is never a normal part of aging. It’s a medical condition that can be treated. Could you be depressed? Depression isn’t something you can just snap out of. Most people need treatment to feel better. So it’s good to know the signs. You might be depressed if you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks: ● A sad or empty mood ● Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless ● Loss of interest in things that once gave you pleasure ● Frequent crying Still, depression in older adults can look different than in younger ones. Late in life, people with depression may be more likely to: ● Feel tired ● Feel irritable ● Have trouble sleeping ● Have health problems, such as worsening headaches ● Have a hard time focusing ● Be confused Reach out If there’s any chance you’re depressed, tell your provider. Your provider will want to rule out certain diseases and medicines that can cause the same symptoms. If you are depressed, treatment can help you feel like yourself again. It may include talk therapy or medicine, or both. There may be lifestyle changes that can help too. Early treatment can help keep your depression from getting worse. That’s why it’s so crucial to speak up if you’re struggling. Presbyterian Medicare members also have access to talk therapy sessions to meet with a licensed therapist from MeMD’s network of providers for a $0 cost (Presbyterian Dual Plus members are excluded). To begin with talk therapy: • Go to www.phs.org • Under “Access Patient Care,” select “Get Care” • Select the “Behavioral Health” tile under “Get Care Later” • Scroll down the page and select “Talk Therapy Video Visits with MeMD” • Click the “Get Started” button • Complete the sign-up information and schedule your talk therapy visit MeMD therapists do not prescribe medication but instead provide talk therapy to pinpoint your needs, establish a treatment plan, and measure your progress. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute on Aging
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