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When you are sick you go to the doctor for help - right?

It is no different when the illness is depression. If you find that depression is robbing you of the pleasure of life, has been going on for more than three weeks or you are questioning whether life is worth living - ask for help!

Speak with you family doctor and tell him/her what is going on using the symptom checklist above as a guide. Help the doctor by letting him/her know about all prescription drugs, over the counter medications (including herbal treatments) you may be taking. Be honest about how much you may be drinking. Take the time you need to share what is going on in your life so that the doctor can assess you completely. This is important and you are not wasting their time.

Depression is thought to be caused by changes to the normal balance of brain chemistry. Anti-depressant medications can be very effective in restore the normal balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Building up social supports and psychotherapy (talk therapy) can also help seniors to deal with many of the events that can trigger depression. Exercise, including weight training, has recently been found to have a significant effect in lifting mood.

The main approach to treating depression and anxiety disorders in the elderly includes:

1. Medications ~ Anti-depressant medications are a commonly used and effective way to treat depression and anxiety in the elderly. Most people can tolerate medications well but care needs to be taken to choose the right medication for you. Most medications have side effects and the doctor will tell you the most common ones. Most side effects disappear within a week or two of starting treatment and so it is often worth sticking it out.
   
   Some medications can cause drowsiness or changes in blood pressure. This can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to fractures. If you feel drowsy avoid driving. Care must also be taken in mixing medications prescribed for other conditions.
   
   Usually relief is felt within a few weeks of starting medications however it can take longer for older people to feel better. Sleep and appetite are usually the first symptoms to positively change. Don't expect a complete recovery right away. It usually takes about ten to twelve weeks to lift depression. Often those close to you who will see an improvement in your mood before you begin to feel it.



2. Build Social Supports ~ The paradox of depression is that at a time when you most need to draw people close - you may want to avoid contact with others. However, most people find that the support of family and friends, participation in a self-help group or talking with a professional counselor can be very helpful in overcoming depression.
   
   Dealing with social isolation is an important part of healing and can help prevent further episodes of illness. Lots of studies show us that being part of a supportive family, being part of a religious group or active in your community is an important part of health, well being and improved quality of life. Consider joining a support group for depression as part of your recovery.



3. Talk Therapy ~ Psychotherapy can be very helpful in dealing with losses, solving challenging problems or dealing with the social impact of depression. Cognitive therapy can help you look at your life in different ways that are more supporting to you.
   
   Electroconvulsive Therapy ~ ECT is a treatment that uses electrical impulses to change the chemical balance in the brain. It is often used as a treatment of last resort for those patients who have not responded well to other forms of treatment, who remain a suicidal risk, or have other serious medical conditions that prevent the use of medication.

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