Depression often undiagnosed, says CDC

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20% of adult seniors suffer from some form mental health disorder. And about a third of these cases go untreated.

Mental illness isn’t a natural part of aging. In fact, mental health disorders affect younger adults more often than the elderly, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, seniors are less likely to seek help.  Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common and discussed diseases. But few people, actually, are talking about depression. 

Depression and mood disorders affect up to 5% of seniors 65 and older, and up to 13.5% of older adults who receive home health care, according to the CDC. Disturbingly, these issues often go undiagnosed.

Elderly individuals with depression may not feel “sad” at all. It may seem that sadness and depression go together, but many seniors with depression claim not to be sad.

They may complain of not feeling motivated or of having a lack of energy or they may suffer from physical problems—all of which may represent symptoms of depression.

Despite the fact that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, life changes may cause feelings of uneasiness, hopelessness, or guilt—all different from sadness. Seeking help is not always easy and, specially, when its carries the aging stigma with it. Sometimes, a professional home care specialist will be able to diagnose depression when the family members will just take it as part of the aging process.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle and social circles, as always, seems to be key to deal with depression. Exercising, improving your diet and keeping your mind busy will help you to deal with depression.