NorthwestAugust 15, 1993

LaFawn Oliver

Recently many people have asked me about depression and how it affects people over 60 years old. I contacted Julie Sanford, a psychiatrist who specializes in senior depression at River Crest Hospital and Counseling Center in Lewiston, and she gave me the following information.

First, many people harbor the mistaken notion that being depressed is part of growing older. The thinking goes, ''If grandpa says he's feeling down, well, that's normal, because, after all, he's getting on in years and doesn't get around much anymore.''

While it's true that aging often presents new problems and challenges, depression is not a normal part of growing older. Everyone feels sad, blue, or disappointed occasionally. However, when these feelings become deeper and persist, and are accompanied by appetite loss, trouble sleeping lack of interest in normal activities, and a general sense of hopelessness, depression may be responsible.

Second, often seniors are afraid to admit they're depressed, thinking that such an admission would be a sign of weakness or failure. Many seniors grew up in a time when minimizing one's sadness was the accepted social norm. People were taught to just ''brush off' the blues, pick oneself up by the bootstraps, and get on with the business of living.

But depression can't be brushed off that easily. It's a physical condition not unlike high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Depression is not a sign of weakness or failure in an individual and certainly nothing of which to be ashamed.

Third, many people fail to get proper help because depression sneaks up on them and before they know it, they're caught in its grip. Depression can take a huge toll on older adults, turning previously vital, active, and productive lives into a living nightmare that saps energy, strength, and enthusiasm and takes the joy out of living.

For all of these reasons, only about a third of the people with major depression actually seek and receive appropriate treatment. This is tragic, because major depression is a highly treatable condition. Untreated, it destroys lives. People who are depressed are at high risk for suicide and this applies to seniors as well as younger individuals.

The good news: There are many excellent anti-depressant medications available to treat the disease some old and some new. These treatments are successful in about 65 percent of cases. Even individuals who don't respond to initial treatments can be helped 85 to 90 percent of the time using different medications or combinations of medications.

If you suffer from the symptoms of depression, or know someone else who does, get help. Don't wait for depression to go away on its own, because, chances are, it won't

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FACTS AT A GLANCE *Depression affects an estimated 15 percent of older adults.

*Contrary to popular belief, depression is not a normal part of growing older.

*Many drugs, taken for other illnesses, can trigger depression in seniors. Older people often take a lot of medications, so this is something to be considered.

*Other factors affecting seniors that can play a role in the development of depression include chronic medical problems, loss of social support, isolation, recent loss of spouse or significant other or dependency of others with serious medical problems, such as a sick husband or wife.

*The onset of depression in seniors is often rapid. Suicide is always a risk with depression, so it's very important to get treatment.

*Depression is a medical problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

*Depression is a highly treatable medical condition. In fact, 85 to 90 percent of those suffering from depression can recover with proper treatment.

*Seeking help is an important first step toward recovery and a happier, more satisfying life.

If you want more information on depression, you many contact your physician, River Crest Hospital and Counseling Center in Lewiston, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, or Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-877-3206.

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