A 2009 study found that an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of older Australians experience anxiety or depression. This number can be even higher in certain subgroups of the population.
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While growing older can bring challenges, depression is not a normal reaction that should be carried in silence.
There are many factors that can lead to depression in the ageing, such as changes in living conditions, the loss of a spouse, declining health, illness or various medications.
A factor that can have a big impact on the mental health of an ageing person is whether they have a social and community support network.
With family and friends often far away or busy, it’s important that the ageing have support. This could be everything from helping with day to day chores or simply providing social interaction and a friendly face to rely on or professional help like in-home care services.
In fact, a social support network is so important, that one particular study found that a lack of social support such as regular social gatherings or someone to talk can increase the risk of depression.
While depression is prevalent in the ageing, it can be hard to diagnose and detect.
Ageing people are expected to slow down and experience changes. So, while it might be depression, it won’t necessarily stand out. Sometimes the person isn’t comfortable talking about how they feel or asking for help.
Some signs to look for:
- a loss of motivation
- not going out
- sleeping more than usual
- not seeing friends and family anymore
- failing to return calls
- a disinterest in personal appearance
- loss or gained weight
While anyone is susceptible to depression, a bigger risk has been found in those living alone or with physical conditions, chronic pain or a family history of depression.
It can be hard to be the sole carer for someone, but as a community, we can all keep an eye out for our loved ones and the elderly in general.There is help out there with various treatments that can be effective for preventing and treating depression in the elderly. Your GP can help recommend a course of action.
If your, or a loved ones’, social and community support network is lacking or would like to know how you can improve it, Sue Mann can help.
For information around depression and anxiety, contact Beyond Blue beyondblue.org.au/olderpeople or call 1300 224 636.
Sue Mann Nursing has been providing social and community care from the Hunter, to the Central Coast and Upper Sydney for 30 years. Call 1300 241 300 and we can work out a care plan to help strengthen support networks.