Depression and Anxiety << Mental Health << Healthy Aging << womenshealth.gov

Depression and Anxiety

It's normal to experience brief periods of sadness or worry during stressful times. Money worries, health problems, and the loss of loved ones become more common as we age. So it might seem "normal" for an older adult to feel depressed or anxious all the time. It's not. Just like at any other age, constant worrying could be due to an anxiety disorder. And, feelings of sadness and numbness could be signs of depression. In fact, women of any age have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Many women don't get treatment because they minimize their symptoms or are embarrassed or unwilling to talk about them.

Before you say, "I'm fine"...

Ask yourself if you feel:

Nervous or "empty"
Guilty or worthless
Very tired and slowed down
You don't enjoy things the way you used to
Restless and irritable
Like no one loves you
Like life is not worth living

Or if you are:

Sleeping more or less than usual
Eating more or less than usual
Having persistent headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain

If these symptoms keep occurring and are interfering with your daily life, see your doctor. They may be signs of depression or an anxiety disorder, treatable medical illnesses. But your doctor can only treat you if you say how you are really feeling. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Talk to your doctor.

Additional Resources

Publications

Women's Mental Health — This special section of womenshealth.gov provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life. It also links to information on mental health for men, girls, and people with a chronic illness or disability.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/mh/

Age Page: Depression — This fact sheet explains the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and provides information on prevention and getting help.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/depression.htm

Age Page: Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask for Help — This fact sheet explains the differences between dementia and normal age-related changes in memory. The diagnosis, treatment options, and research issues are considered.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/forgetfulness.htm

Girlfriends' Health and Safety Tips — You and your girlfriends can help keep each other on track to stay healthy — mentally and physically. This fact sheet has information about how you and your social circle can support each other through the good times and the bad.

http://www.cdc.gov/women/girlfriends/index.htm

Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts — This Web site discusses depression and suicide facts among older adults and ways in which depression can be treated.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/older-adults-depression-and-suicide-facts.shtml...

Aging in the Know: Psychological and Social Issues (Copyright © FHA) — This publication explains how the mind ages as we age. It deals with learning, memory, reaction time, intelligence, and life skills. In addition, it provides information on some of the stresses of aging such as caregiving, loss and grief, changing roles, and social status. It gives tips for how to deal with these life changes and the types of healthy behaviors that are important.

http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=3

Anxiety Disorders in the Elderly (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) — Older adults with anxiety disorders usually had at lease one when they were younger. This publication discusses recognizing anxiety in older adults and how to seek treatment.

http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/FocusOn/Elderly.asp

http://www.aarp.org/learntech/wellbeing/a2004-03-16-deage_new.html

Retiring? Don't Worry, Be Happy (Copyright © AARP) — This article discusses some of the common stresses associated with retirement. It provides tips on handling finances and remaining socially, mentally, and physically active after retirement.

http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/stress/a2004-10-08-retiring-happy.html...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.