The Irish Pastoral Centre: Here to help the elderly cope with depression

Depression has been with us from the beginning of time, and its symptoms have never changed. “Happiness is a choice-Symptoms, Causes, and Cures of Depression by Frank Minirth, MD and Paul Eeier, MD). When people complain that they "feel down", they have no interest or take no pleasure in things, have trouble sleeping, lack energy, have poor appetite, or cannot concentrate, they may be suffering from depression. Depression is second only to heart disease as a cause of disability according to the World Health Organization. Clinical depression does not discriminate -- it can develop in anyone at any age. Depression is a serious medical illness that affects millions of people, and it is a leading cause of suicide. The good news, however, is that treatments for depression work -- a broad range of treatment is available and results are very encouraging.

Depression is common among the elderly

According to some published reports, depression in its many forms affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans who are 65 years or older. Depression in older persons is closely associated with dependency and disability and causes great suffering for the individual and the family.

Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and, in some cases, delusions and hallucinations. Older depressed individuals often have severe feelings of sadness, but these feelings frequently are not openly shown to family and friends.

Possible causes of depression in older people

Although there is no single, definitive answer to the question of cause, many factors -- psychological, biological, environmental and genetic -- likely contribute to the development of depression.

While some people become depressed for no easily identified reason, depression tends to run in families, and the vulnerability is often passed from parents to children. When such a genetic vulnerability exists, other factors like prolonged stress, loss, or a major life change can trigger the depression. For some older people, particularly those with lifelong histories of depression, the development of a disabling illness, loss of a spouse or a friend, retirement, moving out of the family home or some other stressful event may bring about the onset of a depressive episode. It should also be noted that depression can be a side effect of some medications commonly prescribed to older persons, such as medications to treat hypertension.

Help is available

At the Irish Pastoral Centre, we are aware that many elderly Irish immigrants living locally may be isolated and lonely. Sometimes, though, an older person may have become used to living alone but gradually develops a sense of loneliness which wasn't there before, or was not so bad. This may be a sign of depression.

If you or someone you know is interested in establishing contact with us, please feel free to give us a call. Anyone suffering from loneliness, isolation, or the ‘blues’ should know that lack of financial resources need not be a reason to avoid getting help. We can provide a listening ear, spiritual support and referral when necessary. Call us at 617- 479-7404.

Upcoming: Margaret Carr, Marketing and Public Relations Director at the Caritas Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Wednesday May 14^th from 9.30 AM to 11.3 AM. Margaret will speak about the changes at the hospital, how it impacts, patients/community and what the future holds.

Join us in Brighton at the Veronica Smith Senior Centre on Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm for the Cara Club, Irish Seniors Afternoon Teatime.