Depression is an illness that knows no boundaries. It effects millions of people each year and does not discriminate between age, sex, sexual preference or race. Depression can devastate not only the person experiencing the depression but their loved ones. Once thought to be a normal part of the aging process, depression can now be cured when symptoms are identified and treated by an appropriate health care provider. In other words, people with depression can recover with help.
Despite many advances in the treatment of depression and efforts by the mental health profession to destigmatize mental illness in the elderly, barriers to recognize and receive proper treatment continues. As baby boomers grow into the golden years, the demand for mental health resources will rapidly escalate. The medical profession and modern medicine have been able to prolong life but not always the quality of life, leading sometimes, to despair or depression. Sometimes, people in their 60’s and 70’s are experiencing depression for the first time. In order to meet the demands of the future, it is incumbent we educate people about mental health so they can activate help if they do experience signs or symptoms of depression.
This article will inform you of the definition of depression, how to recognize depression, the latest treatments and research, how to cope with depression and how to maintain recovery. Resources will be provided.
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