Ask Dr. Ceren: I'm Entitled To Be Depressed. I'm Invisible.
© 2003-2006, Sandra Levy Ceren. All Rights Reserved.

When a person is repeatedly ignored, negative feelings about the self can emerge and may result in depression. This is especially true for the elderly. Walk into most social or professional gatherings, filled with young, attractive, energetic people and you will find clusters arranged in age groups.

Imagine you are an older person and unexpectedly find yourself in a room full of people fifteen or twenty years younger. You may be surprised if someone starts a conversation with you, and if you begin one, it would probably be short. The other person would find an excuse to get away from you, the pariah. Instead of of younger people valuing your experience, in our culture, you are discounted.

You may be bright, funny, interesting to your friends and family, but in many social situations, you are invisible.

Depression among older people is common and may have little to do with the events described above. Or such situations may contribute to it in those most vulnerable.

For a person who has experienced an unhappy childhood followed by a long series of rejections and disappointment, chronic illness, losses of loved ones and money, depression is more likely, coupled with poor self esteem.

Depressed people are usually easy to spot. They look down-in-the-dumps. They are apathetic and withdrawn. They are often tearful, agitated, angry, cranky. They express feelings of guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness, are tired, have a poor appetite, and may suffer from difficulty sleeping.

But sometimes depressive illness is difficult to recognize especially among older people. They may not exhibit the symptoms described above, but may complain of vague aches and pains, and fear that these are signs of severe illness. Such a person may consult a variety of physicians without obtaining a relief and may be diagnosed as hypochondriacal.

Vague physical complaints with no physical basis may signal depression. These complaints may be an unconscious attempt to obtain attention otherwise unavailable. Once emotional needs are addressed, physical complaints may diminish.

Depression may also accompany a physical condition, especially when the condition does not respond to treatment. When depression is handled appropriately, the person can cope better with the physical problem.

Age related illnesses are often treated with medication or a combination of medication that can affect mood. Physicians must be told of the patients mood change. Drugs affect people differently.

Depression which goes untreated, can cause physical problems, such as malnourishment, thus weakening the immune system.

Many social agencies provide services geared to seniors. They provide meals and social programs.

Family, friends and neighbors can offer support and encouragement. It is vital for the depressed person to have this involvement.

Individual, family and group therapy can help the person recover from a bout of depression. We cannot predict if the depression will return especially if the person has had a history. However, if there is no history of depression, there is a better chance that it will not return, especially if the person develops new skills for coping with the vicissitudes of life and if family or soical supports are anchored.

Drug treatment should be considered if the depression is lasting.

Immediate professional attention is required if a depressed person suddenly appears happy, starts to give away his personal possessions, as these are signs of suicidal intentions. Depression is treatable.