Death comes for everyone eventually, but its presence is even more apparent as you get older. It's all too common for adults to lose family members and friends as time passes. Unfortunately, that loss has a deeper impact on some that can last years.
While grief and depression are linked in many ways, it's important to treat them as distinct entities. Seniors in La Mirada, CA, and their caregivers should identify which one affects them most so they can get the help they need.
Here's everything you need to know about grief vs. depression, and what you can do to heal.
Emotional wellness isn't about feeling happy no matter what. It's about coping with change, managing stress, and maintaining a sense of purpose in life. These become more difficult to manage as people age.
Grieving is one of the most common emotional hurdles as a person's family and friends die of old age or other causes. When that grief morphs into depression, it can have serious consequences.
Depression in seniors is linked to a range of negative outcomes such as:
It's important to identify and respond to symptoms of depression and prolonged grief to maintain a person's well-being.
Grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. For seniors, it mostly stems from the death of a spouse, family member, or long-time friend. Coping with loss never gets easy, but it's especially important in your later years.
Grieving is a deeply personal process, and everyone goes through it differently. Some people cry often, while others seem withdrawn or irritable. Some common emotional and physical manifestations of grief include:
In most cases, grief passes over time. People begin to adjust and regain interest in life, though the timeline differs for everyone.
Unlike grief, depression is a mental health disorder that requires clinical attention. It goes beyond sadness or a reaction to loss and can persist for months or years. Depression in seniors is especially dangerous, as people may misinterpret changed behaviors as a "normal" part of aging.
Symptoms of depression in older adults often include:
Depression can be brought on by anything from housing changes to hearing loss. It can also happen on its own without any kind of provocation.
Both grief and depression share certain symptoms. However, there are several ways to tell them apart.
To begin with, sadness in grief comes in waves. In depression, it's a persistent fixture that won't go away on its own.
A grieving person can still enjoy some activities, while a depressed individual often is unable to feel pleasure. While grief can change your focus to the recent loss, depression turns most thoughts negative.
Most importantly, depression can be treated with medication to lessen its effect on your life. Grief is a process that you have to work through, though counseling and group therapy can help.
It's not always easy to tell when grief crosses into depression, especially when seniors downplay their emotions. They may avoid talking about mental health altogether with their loved ones.
It may be time to consult a professional if you notice the following symptoms for more than two weeks:
Encouraging open dialogue about feelings and checking in regularly can help seniors feel more supported. It also helps if they have a community to rely on, such as a church group.
There are many senior support services available that can help with senior mental health. These resources range from grief counseling and support groups to therapy and psychiatric care. A psychiatrist or primary physician can prescribe medication to help manage severe depression symptoms.
Other supportive services include:
Connecting older adults to these resources can make a big difference in how they process grief or manage depression. Even small interventions like regular visits or phone calls can improve emotional outlook.
Supporting someone through grief or depression is not always easy. Some people believe that getting a person out of the house or distracting them is the answer, but it's only a temporary relief.
Sometimes the best comfort is being there for them. Listen to your loved one without offering solutions.
Encourage routine, such as regular meals and light activity. Invite them to join you for coffee or a short walk.
Keep an eye out for any warning signs, such as changes in behavior, speech, or grooming. Suggest talking to a counselor or doctor if symptoms persist.
The goal is not to "fix" the grief or solve their depression. Instead, you want to offer them a path forward. Improving their mental health should be their decision.
Knowing the difference between grief vs. depression is the first step to improving your mental health. As a senior, it's important to deal with depression before it disrupts your life and makes your later years unmanageable.
The Palms La Mirada offers independent senior living between Los Angeles and Anaheim. Residents gain close access to all the most famous shops and restaurants, as well as all-inclusive amenities in their community. Reach out with any questions and to set up a tour.