Depression

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Depression is an illness that affects almost 400,000people in Ireland at any one time. People often sufferthis illness in silence and are reluctant to ask forhelp.

Depression is not an inevitable part of ageing and isnot something that simply has to be endured. Earlydiagnosis and intervention can facilitate propertreatment and a full recovery. Older people shouldnot feel embarrassed about voicing their concernsand should discuss their feelings openly and honestlyso that their GP can recognise any symptoms ofdepression.

‘Mind Yourself – Depression in Later Life’ is a guide tohelp older people who may have depression, andprovides practical tips on how to recognise thesymptoms of depression and what can be done toalleviate them.

We hope that this guide will provide the informationand resources you need to take the first step towardsa happier and healthier life.

Professor Brian LawlorConsultant Old Age Psychiatrist

Introduction

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Depression isn’t just a passing mood, a signof personal weakness or a condition that

can be willed away. Depression is aserious illness that requiresintervention and treatment to ensure

recovery. If you're feeling sad, down or'blue' most of the day, most days for twoweeks or more and have little or noenjoyment or pleasure in your life andactivities, then you may be suffering fromdepression and should seek advice from

your GP.

In some instances depression may haveno apparent cause, often, in later life, it

can be related to stressful life events such asbereavement, relationship difficulties, physical illness,work or financial worries.

Depression is a mental health illness that can affectthe way you feel about yourself, the way you thinkabout things and the way you live your life.Treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy andantidepressant medication can reduce and more ofteneliminate the symptoms of depression.

What is Depression?

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• Social isolation

• Loneliness

• Retirement

• Change in role or

status

• Bereavement

• Physical Illness

• Stressful life events

• Excessive alcohol use

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Causes of Depressionin Later Life

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• Feeling sad, down, unhappy mostof the day, most days

• Loss of interest in life

• Avoiding other people

• Change in weight / appetite

• Loss of self-worth

• Negative thoughts / thoughts ofsuicide or death

• Low levels of energy

• Loss of confidence

• Feeling anxious, tense, agitated and irritable

• Poor sleep (unable to fall asleep, stay asleep orwaking early)

RecognisingDepression

These are some of the

symptoms of depression:

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• Depression is less likely whenpeople’s bodies and minds remainactive. Joining local active retirementgroups and getting involved inactivities that providemental or physicalstimulation canhelp combatdepression as weget older.

• Schedule regularsocial activities. Group outings, visits from friendsand family members and involvement in localcommunity groups can help combat isolation andloneliness.

• A poor diet can make depression worse, so try toplan and prepare healthy meals with plenty offruit, vegetables, whole grains. It also helps tomoderate alcohol consumption.

• Preparation for retirement through pre-retirementcourses and improving your financial statusthrough adequate pension provision can make thetransition into life after work easier.

Ways to helpalleviate depression

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Taking theFirst Step

If you think you are depressed,

you should talk to your GP.

They have the experience to listen to you and assess

your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your

depression, your GP may suggest counselling,

medicines or both. By addressing the problem, you

will be taking the first step in your treatment, so be as

honest as you can when seeking professional help.

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Age is not a barrier to psychological intervention.Psychotherapy (talking therapy or counselling) givesyou the opportunity to explore what is happening, tofeel clearer about how you feel about your life, andother people. Psychotherapy has been found to bebeneficial on its own, and in combination withmedication is more effective than either type oftreatment alone. Psychological treatment or talkingtherapy is recommended for all levels of depression.

For moderate to severe depression, your doctormay recommend that you take an antidepressant.Taking an antidepressant may help you to restoreyour mood to normal, allowing you to feel betterabout yourself. It is important to note thatantidepressants are not addictive and will not turn

Treatments

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you into a “zombie”. Side effects vary depending onwhich specific antidepressant you have beenprescribed – in most cases these are mild anddisappear soon after starting treatment. The majorityof older people suffering from moderate to severedepression improve significantly with antidepressantmedications.

As with all medications it is advisable to completethe prescribed course of anti- depressant treatment.After a few weeks when people are responding totreatment, they begin to feel calmer, happier andhave more energy. This is when it can be tempting tostop taking the anti-depressants but it is importantnot to stop your medication until your doctorrecommends it.

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Aware72 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

Tel: 01-661 7211

Helpline: 1890 303 302

Website: www. aware.ie

Age Action30/31 Lower Camden Street

Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 4756 989

Website: www.ageaction.ie

Age and OpportunityMarino Institute of Education,

Griffith Avenue,

Dublin 9

Tel: (0)1 805 7709

Website: www.olderinireland.ie

Senior Help LineThird Age Centre

Summerhill

Co Meath

Tel: (046) 95 57766

Helpline: 1850 440 444

Website: www.seniorhelpline.ie

Friends of the Elderly25 Bolton Street

Dublin 1

Tel: 01 873 1855

Website: www.friendsoftheelderly.ie

GoldenIreland.ieWebsite: www.goldenireland.ie 

Federation of ActiveRetirement AssociationsShamrock Chambers

1-2 Eustace Street

Dublin 2

Tel: 679 2142

Website: www.fara.ie

National Economic andSocial Forum16 Parnell Square,

Dublin 1

Tel: 01 8146361

LoCall: 1890 203 006

Website: www.nesf.ie

Alone1 Willie Bermingham Place

Kilmainham Lane

Dublin 8

Tel: (01) 6791032

Website: www.alone.ie

SamaritansHelpline: 1850 60 90 90

Website: www.samaritans.org

Useful resources

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References

Aware Website - www.aware.ie

Harry Barry, Flagging the Therapy,Liberty Press

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