The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 6.5 million American senior citizens suffer from depression. Michael Griffith, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Clinician at ThedaCare Behavioral Health-Menasha, joined us on Focus Fox Valley to discuss the ways to combat depression in older adults.
He noted that people experience loneliness in different ways because some people have higher social needs than others.
The Centers for Disease Control lists these symptoms of depression:
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment
“Becoming depressed is not a normal part of aging; we should not accept that as being common,” Griffith said. “Rather, depression is a treatable medical condition. We know that good social connections promote good mental health, and that impacts physical health, so it’s important that older adults stay connected to family and friends.”
According to Griffith, feelings of isolation and loneliness can be relieved by something as simple as knowing you’ll be missed if you don’t make an activity.
“Group affiliations are especially important,” Griffith continued. “Groups like a quilting club, book club, men’s coffee klatch, bowling team, church group, walking club, a senior citizen class at your local YMCA. It can really be any kind of regular gathering.”
Griffith cited another study that found people who heard another human’s voice via a phone call or video chat experienced a release of the naturally produced feel-good chemical oxytocin, which helps improve one’s mood. However, people who read letters, e-mails or other notes without the experience of hearing another person’s voice did not have the oxytocin release.
He explained that letters and electronic communications are wonderful ways to connect. They don’t offer the same feeling of connectedness as hearing someone’s voice. He encourages everyone to call parents, grandparents and other important elders.
Griffith said that social isolation is serious because it leads to increased risk of mortality, depression, dementia, falls and increased likelihood of hospital admission.
Griffith shared that various experts on aging offer these tips to help seniors stay engaged:
- Keep active; exercise is important.
- Be open to making new friends. Have an attitude of openness.
- Become involved at a local senior center, YMCA or other community activity group.
- Connect with aging, disability and social services resources in your county.
- Learn to use a computer to keep connected with family and friends.
- Learn how to use video chat or other social interaction apps.
