"DEPRESSION IS 

LIVING IN A BODY

THAT FIGHTS TO SURVIVE,

 WITH A MIND THAT TRIES TO DIE."

"ADULTHOOD IS NOT AN AGE 

BUT A STAGE OF KNOWLEGE OF SELF"

Adulthood, the period in the human lifespan in which full physical and intellectual maturity have been attained. Adulthood is commonly thought of as beginning at age 20 or 21 years. Middle age, commencing at about 40 years, is followed by old age at about 60 years.

Depression, this condition includes feeling of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness that donot go away on their own.

Moreover, depression is a common condition that impacts over 264 million people of all ages, races, and genders. Due to continued social stigma, access barriers, and lack of resources, it is estimated that only 15 - 24% of people receive treatment for depression in low- and middle-income regions of the world. When left unsupported, depression carries a high risk of significant disability and/or death by suicide.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION :

There are several types of depression that older adults may experience:

• Major Depressive Disorder – includes symptoms lasting at least two weeks that interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – a depressed mood that lasts more than two years, but the person may still be able to perform daily tasks, unlike someone with Major Depressive Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder – depression related to the use of substances, like alcohol or pain medication
• Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition – depression related to a separate illness, like heart disease or multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF DEPRESSION ?

Research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
• Genes – people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk
• Stress, including caregiver stress
• Sleep problems
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult
• Addiction and/or alcoholism —included in Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder
• Social isolation and depression in adults
  
  
  

Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression.

 

SOCIAL ISOLATION AND DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new attention to this issue; however, many adults felt socially isolated and lonely before the pandemic. If you’re feeling socially isolated or lonely, and you cannot see your friends and family in person for any reason, try reaching out over the phone or joining a virtual club.

 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION 

The following is a list of common symptoms. Still, because people experience depression differently, there may be symptoms that are not on this list.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early in the morning, or oversleeping
• Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  
  
  

TALKING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT DEPRESSION

It’s important to watch for signs and symptoms of depression or suicide. Don’t shy away from asking if a family member or friend is feeling depressed or suicidal. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is important. Asking if someone is having thoughts of suicide will not make them more likely to act on those thoughts. Your questions may help the person open up about how they’ve been feeling and encourage them to seek treatment.

 CAN DEPRESSION BE PREVENTED ?

Many people wonder if depression can be prevented and how they may be able to lower their risk of depression. Although most cases of depression cannot be prevented, healthy lifestyle changes can have long-term benefits to your mental health.

Here are a few steps you can take:

• Be physically active and eat a healthy, balanced diet. This may help avoid illnesses that can bring on disability or depression. Some diets — including the low-sodium DASH diet — have been shown to reduce risk of depression.
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Stay in touch with friends and family.
• Participate in activities you enjoy.
• Let friends, family, and your physician know when you’re experiencing symptoms of depression.

HOW ADULTHOOD AND DEPRESSION ARE RELATED?

The odds of developing depression were highest among immigrant women. Depression in middle-aged and older adults is also associated with socioeconomic, physical, and nutritional factors and the relationships differ by sex. These results provide insights for mental health interventions specific to adults aged 45–85.

There may be multiple risk factors for mental health problems at any point in life. Older people may experience life stressors common to all people, but also stressors that are more common in later life, like a significant ongoing loss in capacities and a decline in functional ability. For example,  adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care. In addition, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, or a drop in socioeconomic status with retirement. All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness or psychological distress in older people, for which they may require long-term care.

Mental health has an impact on physical health and vice versa. For example,  adults with physical health conditions such as heart disease have higher rates of depression than those who are healthy. Additionally, untreated depression in an older person with heart disease can negatively affect its outcome.

Adults are also vulnerable to elder abuse - including physical, verbal, psychological, financial and sexual abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious losses of dignity and respect. Current evidence suggests that 1 in 6 older people experience elder abuse. Elder abuse can lead not only to physical injuries, but also to serious, sometimes long-lasting psychological consequences, including depression and anxiety.

THANK YOU !!

BLOG BY : ADRIJA MAHAJAN

COURSE  : BSC. BIOTECHNOLOGY HONS.

INSTITUTION : AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN