Did you know that depression is the most common mental illness found in older people? It is not a surprise, as some causes of depression include bereavement, loss of health and loss of health in a loved one, which are more common experiences for the elderly. Loneliness is a cause of depression too, and many older people experience loneliness.

Younger and older people experience the same symptoms of depression. However, certain symptoms are more common in the elderly (they often experience depression as physical symptoms and along with confusion) and other symptoms are less common (the elderly may not complain of low mood).

Despite being a mental illness that affects many older people, it is widely thought that it doesn’t affect the elderly severely enough to need antidepressant treatment. That is a mistake. Not providing the right treatment leads to deeper depression and it can even lead to physical illness or death from suicide.

But it can be avoided by getting the right diagnosis. Do you know anyone who is always sad and never lifts with happy experiences, who has lost interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy and has lost interest in friends and socialising? Do you feel like this maybe? Either it is you or someone you know, when those symptoms are identified, professional help needs to be sought as soon as possible. Don’t think that depression is a normal consequence of aging. Remember: we all deserve to be happy, no matter how old we are.