Utica psychologist discusses incidence and treatment of depression among seniors. “Some may not realize they are depressed,” she says
By Barbara Pierce
If you’ve seen your primary health care professional recently, you may have been surprised by some of the questions you were asked.
Questions like how often do you have little interest or pleasure in doing things? How often do you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much? Feeling tired or had little energy?
These questions are screening for depression.
Depression is on the rise.
As it’s a common issue for older adults, professionals increasingly recognize the importance of screening for depression.
As we were curious to learn more about how depression affects older adults, we asked Heather Lester, owner and operator of Spere Psychological Service in South Utica. As a licensed psychologist and Medicare provider, she specializes in working with older adults.
Q: How common is depression in older adults?
A: It’s very hard to get an accurate estimate. It’s wonderful that physicians are asking more about depression, but many people will deny symptoms, even as they experience them. Some may not realize they are depressed. They haven’t noticed a decline in mood and functioning. Or they believe it’s normal to feel down about life as you age. Some people may realize they have some symptoms but believe it’s best to push through. There are also folks who don’t have the energy to seek help or believe it is too late to change or may experience too much shame to seek help. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate estimate as to the number of older adults dealing with depression.
Q: What are some of the common symptoms of depression?
A: Feeling sad or down, feelings of emptiness, loss of interest in activities or relationships, low motivation, changes in sleep patterns or appetite, difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, feeling irritable or restless, hopelessness or guilt — these are all symptoms that could indicate depression.
Q: What makes for a higher risk of depression?
A: Depressive symptoms can happen for a variety of reasons; there doesn’t need to be any shame or blame around it.
An individual’s risk for the development of depressive symptoms is highly dependent on the person’s biology, personality, history and environmental factors. An individual’s history, such as a history of trauma, can also contribute, as well as their current relationships and whether they feel connected within their community.
Illness, injury, loss of abilities, responses to certain medications, access to medical care, financial stress, loss of a support system, coping with grief, moving, loss of independence or autonomy or moving into a smaller home or skilled nursing facility, can all increase an individual’s risk for depression. People who are more resilient against the development of depression tend to have supportive relationships, the ability to remain active and enjoy hobbies, access to quality medical care and some degree of financial stability.
It’s also interesting that how someone tells the story of their life can have a big impact on their mood. When one can look back on their life and feel a sense of meaning and purpose, they tend to be more resilient and more content as they age. When a person looks back with complex and difficult feelings, they may feel a sense of despair. This is where a therapist could be a helpful guide.
Q: What is the treatment for depression? How successful is it?
A: “Treatment for depression might include medication, psychotherapy or supportive care. Talking with a primary care doctor or calling therapists in your area are both ways to start exploring treatment options. A primary care doctor can make sure there’s not a health concern or medication that might be contributing. They can also discuss the possibility of medication or psychotherapy for treatment. There are very good medications for depression. It’s important to note that medications are most effective when used with psychotherapy. It’s OK to talk with a therapist and explore treatment that doesn’t include medication. Once you meet with a therapist, it’s OK to decide whether that person feels like a good fit. Each offers a slightly different approach to therapy.
Studies have shown that the relationship with the therapist is the biggest factor of whether therapy will be successful. It’s important to feel comfortable with the therapist and to build a trusting relationship. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek therapy in person rather than online. If this isn’t possible, online therapy is a good option.
Q: What advice can you give family members concerned about a depression member?
A: If you’re concerned about an aging family member, it’s a good idea to continue to check in on them and ask how they’re doing. You may be able to gently mention why you’re concerned and mention depressive symptoms. If the person says they don’t want help, ask what they are afraid will happen if they talk to their doctor or a therapist about their feelings. Then, you can talk through those fears. You might offer to go with them to their doctor or a therapist. Stay gentle, compassionate and consistent.