Many people suffer from depression and are treated for it every year. What most people don’t realize is that the elderly suffer from depression too, but it is often overlooked. Everyone has times of sadness or grief, but when you notice that your aging parent isn’t recovering from this sadness, it may be time for you to step in and take action.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, doctors spend little time discussing mental health issues with their older patients. With this fact in mind, it’s very important that you recognize the signs of depression so you can intervene for your parent.

Signs of Depression in the Elderly

• Sleeping more than usual
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in their normal activities
• Feelings of jitteriness
• Irritability
• Lack of energy
• Lack of concentration
• Easily distracted
• Expressing feelings of worthlessness
• Chronic headaches
• Chronic pains

If you noticed, many of these symptoms can also apply to other situations. So, how do you know your parent is depressed? Compare how they are behaving compared to their normal behavior. If you have noticed a big change, depression could be the cause.

Have your parent checked for other illnesses to see if something besides depression could be causing the symptoms. Discuss the symptoms with your parent’s doctor. Chronic depression in your parents can increase the severity or cause longer recovery time for other illnesses. Untreated depression can even lead to suicide. Be sure to notice depression in the elderly.

White men over 85 have the highest suicide rate with 49.8% suicide deaths per 100,000 in that group. Compare that to 11 per 100,000 in the general population. The depression that is most linked to suicide is so frequently missed, studies show up to 75 of those who committed suicide saw a doctor in the month before their death.

As your parents age, you must take over the role as their caregiver. Be vigilant and give them the time, love, and care that they need and deserve.