4 signs to identify depression in our parents and grandparents

How to protect your parents or grandparents from depression? Caught in our busy daily lives, we try to take care of them, visit them and call them as much as possible, but their lives often remain punctuated by boredom and loneliness. Depression among the elderly is a mental health issue that is still often underestimated. However, it affects a significant proportion of the population, with profound impacts on quality of life and general well-being. Although there are several causes of depression, among older people, it often appears linked to poor health conditions, or factors linked to lifestyle such as cessation of professional life, lack of physical activity , an unbalanced diet, disturbed sleep and a decline in social life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5.7% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from depression, a figure that could be much higher due to undiagnosed or downplayed cases. However, depression in the elderly can quickly impact general health, contributing to cognitive decline. What are the signs to look for to know if we should suspect depression in our elderly loved ones? An article published in the media VeryWellMind recently listed these famous signs that should not be overlooked.

Physical signs not to ignore

It is often difficult to identify a link between a potential depressive state and poor physical health. However, depression often manifests itself through physical symptoms: Are your elderly loved ones sleeping well? Are they eating well? If they seem a little more tired than usual or if they share certain ailments with you, do not take this information lightly, they may be hiding depression.

Liz Hughes, a licensed mental health counselor based in San Diego, offers in VeryWellMind a list of symptoms that can be associated with a drop in morale or even depression: A change in weight, a change in appetite, a drop in energy or even headaches and stomach aches can thus be associated with a depressive state.

Certain cognitive signs to observe

The expert also explains that symptoms of depression in older people are regularly associated with cognitive disorders: a change in the ability to concentrate or the ability to make decisions can thus be revealing.

The cognitive symptoms of depression may resemble the memory problems associated with dementia. However, it is essential to rule out depression when observing these symptoms because these same disorders can be irreversible in the case of cognitive decline whereas they will disappear if depression is treated.

Signs of depression in behavior

Beyond possible cognitive disorders, we can also associate a depressive state with changes in behavior in the elderly, such as neglect in their appearance, lack of hygiene or even unusual disorder.

These behavioral changes can sometimes indicate depression in the elderly. Likewise, excess irritability or agitation can be revealing and should alert you: a particularly nervous, excessively active loved one could in fact be hiding a depressive state. This is especially important since older people tend not to share their emotions.

Taking care of the emotional state of our loved ones

Liz Hughes explains that one of the main emotional symptoms of depression is a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Withdrawing socially, neglecting family meetings, can thus suggest a depressive state. The expert advises us to watch out for a persistent feeling of sadness or despair: “ Having a few bad days is a common experience, but to meet the criteria for a symptom of depression, a low or depressed mood must be present on the majority of days over a period of at least two weeks…so a few bad days are not do not necessarily mean that the person is depressed”, explains Liz Hughes.

Also, the feeling of guilt of weighing on loved ones or even the devaluation of oneself are common among elderly people suffering from depression. “If these signs are observed, it is important to encourage the person to seek professional help, as depression can be treated at any age. Early intervention can significantly improve their quality of life” explains the expert. Older people tend to express their emotions less, which is why it is important to remain very attentive to our loved ones.

Tips to protect our loved ones from depression

For Liz Hughes, we must therefore prioritize good observation and open and caring discussion with our parents or grandparents. The topic of depression can be taboo for many people, so it is necessary to discuss the onset of these symptoms gently. Certain little touches can help your loved one feel better cared for: reinforce phone calls, offer them a walk to motivate them to stay active, etc.

“It is important to be patient and understanding throughout the process as recovery takes time. Loved ones should monitor for worsening symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, and seek professional help if necessary. Loving support and regular connections can go a long way in helping an older person manage and overcome depression.”explains the expert.