Holidays Increase Elder Depression Risk Dr. David J. Demko AgeVenture News Service, 12-25-00 For many Americans, the holidays are a happy and enjoyable time. Yet for some people, this time of year can be quite stressful and may lead to significant feelings of loss, loneliness and sadness. These emotions are more commonly known as "The Blues." Elderly Americans are particularly vulnerable to the blues, according to William Reichman, M.D., president of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP). "Often times the holidays stir memories of loved ones or friends who have died," says Reichman. "In addition, the holidays often remind older adults of events in the past, holiday celebrations with others that gave great joy. However, these celebrations may no longer exist for the older person who is alone." Frequently in late life, the ties that bind the older person to others have been broken, and the holidays can be a painful reminder of this. In many cases, seniors live far from their adult children and other family members. This separation from others also contributes to feelings of loneliness and isolation. In order to diminish the effects of the blues, older persons, their friends and families need to first recognize that the holidays may be a stressful time. Once this is established, loved ones need to ensure the older person is not always alone. Here's some advice for those willing to help an elder who has "The Blues". Use socialization to minimize loneliness and isolation. Foster contact with loved ones who may live a distance away. Phone older loved ones when physical contact is not possible. Involve the older person in activities outside the home. While most older persons who suffer from holiday blues quickly recuperate, there are others who progress into clinical depression. These older persons begin to question the value of their lives. Family and friends may observe that the older person withdraws and shows little interest in associating with others. As these symptoms develop, the suffering person may no longer have an appetite or get dressed during the day, or may spend excessive time in bed. Sometimes, there is alcohol abuse. If the sadness or blues persist after the holiday season or start to include symptoms of clinical depression, individuals or their families or friends should immediately consult their physician or a geriatric psychiatrist, a doctor specifically trained to help elderly patients suffering from such problems. "Depression is not a normal part of aging," Reichman says. "While statistics indicate one in six elderly Americans are believed to suffer from depression, treatments available today are extremely effective. No older person should suffer alone with feelings that they are no longer valuable, that they no longer have anything to contribute." Dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of the elderly, AAGP seeks to improve the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP provides a referral service to help patients, their loved ones and other interested individuals locate a geriatric psychiatrist in their community. To contact AAGP, e-mail main@aagpgpa.org. See related articles in the AgeVenture archives. Memory Problems Signal Depression Educated Elders vs Late-Life Depression Elders Ignore Signs of Late Life Depression AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com BACK TO TOP View More Headlines