Thinking about suicide can be part of depression. Older adults with depression are at risk of committing suicide. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself, tell your gp, friends or family right away, or call a helpline – listed below. The thoughts of suicide will go away after the depression is treated.

Depression and older adults:

What is depression?

Sometimes when people feel sad, they say they are "depressed". But depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a medical illness.

What causes depression?

Your brain has chemicals that help control your moods. When you don't have enough of these chemicals or when your brain doesn't respond to them properly, you may become depressed. Depression can be genetic (meaning it can run in families).

Abusing drugs or alcohol can also lead to depression. Some medical problems and medications can lead to depression. Depression is not a normal part of growing older, but it is common in adults aged 65 and over. Retirement, health problems and the loss of loved ones are things that may happen to older adults. Feeling sad at these times is normal. But if these feelings persist and keep you from your usual activities, you should talk to your gp.

Why is depression in older adults hard to recognise?

It can be hard to tell the difference between depression and illnesses such as dementia. Also, older adults may not talk to their gp about their sad or anxious feelings because they are embarrassed. But depression is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is not a personal weakness. It's a medical illness that can be treated.

How is depression diagnosed?

Sometimes depression is first recognised by friends or family members. If you're having symptoms of depression, be sure to tell your gp. Don't assume he or she will be able to tell that you are depressed just by looking at you. He will need to ask questions about how you are feeling and about your sleep and appetite. It is also important to tell your gp about any medicines that you are taking.

How is depression treated?

Depression can be treated with medicine or counselling, or with both. These treatments are very effective. Medicine may be particularly important for severe depression. Talk to your gp about the right treatment for you.

What if my gp prescribes medicine?

Medicines used to treat depression are called antidepressants. They correct the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. These medicines work very well, but they may have some side effects. The side effects usually decrease with time. Antidepressants can start to work right away, but it may take 6 to 8 weeks before you see the full benefit. Don't stop taking the medicine without checking with your gp first.