Depression, although detrimental all on its own, can have even more serious effects when combined with the problems that come with aging. What are some common issues of aging, and how are they exacerbated by geriatric depression?
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Even though geriatric depression is not as common as depression in young people. However, websites like CDC and WebMD have stated that geriatric depression in most common in people who have illnesses. The National Institute of Health had stated that older adults get depressed because they have either lost their significant other or retired from their job. Older adults feel like they have lost their purpose of life. However, I believe that the greatest problem with geriatric depression C is that older people are not treated or diagnosed correctly. This is because healthcare providers believe that older adults in depression is just a natural process for those who are ill.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly#1
That's a great point! Also, I think mental health can be negatively impacted by the feelings associated with aging. People are often shocked by the loss of their physical and mental strength as they age. A runner, for example, can feel terrible if, with age, their speed or endurance decreases. Feelings of shame or frustration can arise, and these can ultimately lead to geriatric depression.
Aging and depression feed off of each other. One significant issue that can come with aging is a degenerative mental disorder like Alzheimer's. Cognitive impairment can lead a sufferer to be stuck in a prison of silence. They might not be able to articulate their sadness and pain, so the underlying problem continues to get worse. To make it even worse, many symptoms associated with Alzheimer's itself are also associated with depression. For example, irritability is common for both conditions.