Myth: Depression is a normal part of aging.
Truth: Depression is not a normal part of aging and is not a normal response to the changes and issues associated with aging. Grieving, on the other hand, is normal. The difference between grief and depression lays in the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Myth: Depression is a weakness.
Truth: Depression is not a sign of weakness. Depression is a biological illness that can and should be treated, just like high blood pressure and diabetes. Some may think depression is a weakness because one of the symptoms is lack of motivation.
No one chooses to be this way. It feels awful to be depressed! People who are depressed feel that it is really hard for them to take care of normal responsibilities or make decisions.
Myth: Depression among the elderly cannot be treated.
Truth: Depression is treatable! Options include psychotherapy/counseling with a trained therapist, antidepressant medications, or other treatment options. Research has shown that psychotherapy (counseling) alone has been an effective treatment. More often, the physician or psychiatrist recommends a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.
With treatment, most major depressive episodes are resolved within six months, but some take longer depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Myth: Suicide is not a major concern when it comes to elderly suicide.
Truth: Older people who attempt suicide are more likely to be successful than any other age group. Many seniors who commit suicide were depressed and gave signs that they may take steps to end their life. Elderly suicide is usually planned. In fact, white men aged 85 and older have the highest rate of suicide of any other age group in the country.