As the days get shorter, darker, and colder, it’s common to feel a shift in your routine, your energy, and even your mood. Many people experience a sort of “winter blues,” but for some it can be more than just a slump. Depression is more than occasional sadness, and it can be a serious medical condition that affects every part of life, from sleep and appetite to concentration and motivation.
Each October, World Mental Health Day and National Depression and Mental Health Screening Awareness Month reminds us to pay attention to the signs and signals in ourselves and others, and to reach out for help if they don’t improve or worsen. These observances highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of depression and other mental health conditions, especially in older adults, and encourage conversations to shake the stigma of mental health.
Depression can look different in older adults than in younger people. It doesn’t always show up as sadness. It can look like fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, withdrawing from friends or family and isolating oneself. It can even manifest as physical symptoms, like chronic pain, that don’t improve with treatment. Because these changes can overlap with other health issues, depression often goes unrecognized or untreated.
Recognizing when something feels off, or when you notice changes in a loved one, is the first step. Because these symptoms can be mistaken for “just getting older,” it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can screen for depression, review any medications that could be contributing to symptoms, and connect you with treatment options such as counseling or therapy. There are many different types of support, and it’s essential to find the right support for you or your loved ones.
Depression is common and treatable. It’s not a personal failure, and seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s the most important act of self-care we can do for ourselves and others. Talking to a trusted provider or friends can be the first step to getting care and feeling more like yourself again.
The Alliance offers a series of mental health fact sheets for older adults and their loved ones that cover common conditions like Depression and Suicide, and Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health. These resources explain what symptoms to look for, how to start a conversation with a healthcare professional, and what treatments and supports are available. They’re a helpful guide for anyone who wants to better understand mental health in aging, and a good way to share information with family or friends who might be struggling but unsure where to turn. Learn more about mental health with resources from the Alliance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, help is available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential resource available 24/7.
Katrin Werner-Perez is the Director of Health Programs at the Alliance for Aging Research.
