© 2024 Advantage Mental Health. All Rights Reserved.
Growing older can oftentimes come with its own set of hurdles. Whether it’s retiring from a lifelong career, dealing with new health issues, or often feeling more alone as social circles shrink, these changes naturally bring stress, and can sometimes mask a deeper problem that many miss: depression. Depression can show up in seniors differently, making it hard to catch initially or overlooked entirely. If you’re looking after an older loved one, recognizing how depression presents in seniors could make all the difference, along with knowing about effective options like TMS therapy. We’ll explore why depression looks different in older adults, the subtle signs many people miss, the reasons seniors often keep mental health struggles to themselves, and how alternative treatments like TMS therapy can help when medication isn’t the answer.
Depression can affect anyone, but the way it manifests in older adults is often different from younger individuals. However, sometimes older individuals may not express sadness in the same way younger adults might, and their symptoms can be subtle or misinterpreted. Here are a few reasons why depression in seniors often goes unnoticed:
Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, all common signs of dementia, often lead to one of the most common reasons depression in seniors goes unrecognized, given its overlap with symptoms.
Other physical conditions, such as chronic pain, fatigue, or appetite loss, can mimic the symptoms of depression. These health issues are often attributed to aging or other medical problems, leaving depression undiagnosed.
Talking about mental health may seem ubiquitous in our society now, however, many older adults were raised in a time when mental health was rarely discussed. They may feel shame or embarrassment about expressing emotional distress or asking for help, leading them to hide their symptoms or dismiss them as a normal part of aging.
Social isolation is a significant risk factor for depression in seniors. With fewer social interactions and less involvement in community activities, it becomes harder for family members and friends to notice changes in mood or behavior, leaving seniors to suffer silently.
According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 seniors experience symptoms of depression, but a significant portion of them remain untreated because their condition goes unrecognized or undiagnosed.
Depression can affect anyone, but the way it manifests in older adults is often different from younger individuals. However, sometimes older individuals may not express sadness in the same way younger adults might, and their symptoms can be subtle or misinterpreted. Here are a few reasons why depression in seniors often goes unnoticed:
Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, all common signs of dementia, often lead to one of the most common reasons depression in seniors goes unrecognized, given its overlap with symptoms.
Other physical conditions, such as chronic pain, fatigue, or appetite loss, can mimic the symptoms of depression. These health issues are often attributed to aging or other medical problems, leaving depression undiagnosed.
Talking about mental health may seem ubiquitous in our society now, however, many older adults were raised in a time when mental health was rarely discussed. They may feel shame or embarrassment about expressing emotional distress or asking for help, leading them to hide their symptoms or dismiss them as a normal part of aging.
Social isolation is a significant risk factor for depression in seniors. With fewer social interactions and less involvement in community activities, it becomes harder for family members and friends to notice changes in mood or behavior, leaving seniors to suffer silently.
According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 seniors experience symptoms of depression, but a significant portion of them remain untreated because their condition goes unrecognized or undiagnosed.
Depression in older adults often hides behind physical complaints or behaviors mistaken for “normal aging.” Here’s a table summarizing key symptoms and why they’re frequently overlooked:
– Loss of interest in hobbies
– Avoiding social events
– Flat emotional expression
Blamed on “slowing down” or natural introversion.
– Unexplained pain
– Digestive issues
– Fatigue unrelieved by rest
Attributed to arthritis, aging, or chronic illness.
– Insomnia
– Oversleeping
– Daytime lethargy
Assumed to be normal age-related sleep changes.
– Sudden weight loss/gain
– Skipping meals or overeating
Linked to dental issues, metabolism shifts, or “picky eating.”
– Forgetfulness
– Confusion
– Trouble concentrating
Misdiagnosed as early dementia or “senior moments.”
– “I’m a burden” statements
– Guilt over past regrets
Dismissed as “grumpiness” or personality quirks.
These symptoms can be misinterpreted as a natural part of aging, grief, or physical decline. However, when they persist, they can be indicators of clinical depression.
Another problem can arise when it comes to Seniors experiencing depression. The symptoms are recognized, but they may resist seeking help due to a variety of factors:
We understand these barriers at Advantage TMS, and offer a variety of treatment plans geared directly to this population.
If you or a loved one is dealing with depression in later life, there are treatment options available that are tailored to meet seniors’ needs. Let’s explore some of the most effective approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sometimes commonly known as talk therapy, can be effective in helping seniors cope with grief, life transitions, and depression. However, some seniors may struggle with verbal communication or may find it difficult to engage in talk-based therapy.
Antidepressants, or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed. However, older adults need to be carefully monitored due to potential side effects and drug interactions. This can make medications a less attractive option for some seniors.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that has shown remarkable effectiveness for seniors suffering from depression.
Why is TMS therapy so beneficial for older adults?
Clinical results show that up to 75% of patients experience a significant improvement in mood after undergoing TMS therapy. Additionally, TMS is especially effective for treatment-resistant depression.
If you’re concerned about a senior loved one, here are some ways to offer support:
If you or someone you love shows signs of depression late in life, it is never too late to ask for help. Depression does not have to be a definition of your later years. With help and treatment, you can become active and happy again. At Advantage TMS, compassionate and drug-free care is provided for seniors in need. Call us today and schedule a free consultation to take your first step toward a brighter future.
You deserve to feel peace, joy, and vitality—no matter your age. Let’s talk today.
2. UC Health. (n.d.). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). UC Health. https://www.uchealth.com/en/treatments-and-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms
© 2024 Advantage Mental Health. All Rights Reserved.
Our office is closed Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10, 2024, due to the storm. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
