You may notice changes in how you’re feeling, thinking, or managing day-to-day life. These feelings can be hard to talk about.
Depression is common, but it’s not a normal part of ageing. With the right support, it can improve. Recognising the signs early can help you get back to enjoying life.
What might cause it?
Depression can affect anyone regardless of background or circumstance. Changes in later life can trigger it. Common causes of depression in older people can include:
- Other health problems, including side effects from medications
- A reduced sense of purpose from retiring or needing more support from others
- Loneliness and isolation
- Limited independence or a fear of losing independence
- Recent bereavements
Often depression is undiagnosed in older people for several reasons, including:
- Assuming it is an inevitable part of the ageing process
- Stereotypes of what depression looks like
- Not wanting to bother the doctor with something that is not physical
- Memories of poor treatment of mental health issues in the past
- Having difficulty putting feelings into words
- Not wanting to take more medication
You don’t have to manage this on your own.
What are the signs?
If you’ve been experiencing any of these for two weeks or more, it should be discussed with your GP:
- Sadness, despair, or feeling down
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy and socialising
- Changes in appetite, including overeating or loss of appetite
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains, including headaches
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Behavioural changes such as increased irritability, anxiety, mood fluctuations, and withdrawing from others
- Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulties falling or staying asleep, oversleeping, or feeling sleepy during the day
- Feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, or being a burden
- Poor concentration, problems with memory, and difficulty making decisions
- Increased use of alcohol and drugs
- Neglecting personal care, including skipping meals, forgetting medication, and neglecting personal hygiene
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression often goes undiagnosed in older people because they are more likely to report the physical symptoms associated with depression rather than the psychological symptoms.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have constant feelings of low mood or lack of motivation so you can work towards recovery.
Getting support and treatment
You might not be sure where to start. Here are some ideas to help.
Talking to your GP is a good first step
It’s a good way to understand the different treatments for depression and can help you make a plan for your recovery. Receiving an early diagnosis and treatment means a better chance of recovery.
Finding what works for you
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
You can talk with your doctor about options:
- Counselling or talking therapies,
- Medications, including antidepressants,
- Cultural or traditional approaches, such as rongoā Māori.
It is important to talk about these options with your doctor to understand what the best approach is for you.
Staying connected
Reaching out can feel difficult but staying connected matters.
Spending time with friends and whānau can help you feel supported and involved in meaningful activity. Even small interactions can make a difference.
You don’t have to wait until things feel worse, support is for any stage, and talking things through can help.
Contact your local Age Concern to find out what’s happening in your area.
Finding meaning and purpose
Doing activities that give you a sense of purpose and that you find meaning in can improve your sense of self-worth. This might include:
- Volunteering
- Joining social and hobby groups
- Visiting friends and whānau
These connections can keep you physically and mentally stimulated and help you feel like part of a community.
Your local Age Concern may run regular social events. Check with them what’s coming up.
Lifestyle changes and healthy habits
Small everyday habits can support how you feel.
This might include:
- Eating regularly and well
- Staying physically active
- Keeping a daily routine
These steps may not fix everything on their own, but they can support your overall wellbeing alongside other support.
