What is depression?

People affected by depression often feel sad and have low energy, loss of interest in their usual activities, and problems in sleeping. Every person with depression doesn't have all these problems, and some doctors believe that older adults can be depressed even if they don't feel sad. Depression is more than just feeling a little bit low; people with depression lose their ability to enjoy themselves and their friends and family. In some studies, depression has been associated with increased risk for death after heart attacks and for falling. Depression is a serious and treatable condition that should not be neglected. 

What causes depression?

People who have depression often have a family history of depression, and many researchers believe that genetic factors may confer a risk for  developing depression.  Sometimes life events are related to developing depression, although some people seem to develop depression "out of the blue."  Depression can also be caused by various medical conditions, so that it's important for the person with depression to be seen by a doctor who can help assess whether a treatable medical condition is the cause of his or her depression.

How do you know if someone is depressed?

The main way to determine if someone is depressed is to assess whether they show its typical symptoms.  These include: sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, feeling dissatisfied, lack of energy, becoming irritable or "flying off the handle" easily, worrying too much, have problems in making decisions, not being able to concentrate, having sleep problems, loss of appetite, or an unusual increase in appetite.  It is probably possible for a person to be depressed and not feel sad.  Sometimes older adults feel that they can't be depressed because "I don't feel sad."  Often, depressed patients don't realize that they are depressed until they have recovered, and then they notice how much better they feel.