Depression: No Respecter of Age

Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five individuals will suffer from it at some stage of their lives. When depression comes to mind, the person we visualize is probably an average-age adult. Depression, however, is experienced, diagnosed, and treatable from childhood to the elderly.

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Hormonal factors contribute to this increase. Physical experiences such as pregnancy and miscarriage or pre- or post-menopause impact emotions. Sadly, the tragic consequences of untreated post-partum depression are well documented.

Approximately 6 million men suffer from depression each year. Although fewer men suffer than women, they are less likely to admit it or to have it recognized by a physician. Men are more likely to become workaholics or substance abusers to mask their feelings. While depression increases the risk of coronary heart disease in both sexes, men have a higher death rate. Another tragic consequence for men of ignoring depression is a suicide rate 4 times higher than that for women.

It is only in the past 20 years that depression in childhood has begun to be taken seriously. When an early onset of depression occurs, it may persist or recur in adulthood and may be more severe. Before the onset of puberty, depressive disorders develop equally among boys and girls. After age 14, however, girls are twice as likely to struggle. In adolescence, undiagnosed or untreated depression increases the risk for substance abuse or suicidal behavior. In 2002, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death for males ages 15-24.

Perhaps the most overlooked population when it comes to diagnosing depression is the elderly. A common misconception is that depression is a normal part of aging. It is not. Many senior citizens struggle with physical ailments which become the focus of a doctor’s attention. Older patients may also be reluctant to talk about their feelings. The tragic consequences for this population are also suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for those 65 and older, the suicide rate is 14 per 100,000, an increase of 3 per 100,000 over those below 65. The suicide rate in men rises after age 70 and does not peak until age 85.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with depression, there is hope. For some counseling is enough. For others, a combination of antidepressants and counseling is the prescription. Recent studies have even shown the impact of regular exercise in improving symptoms. The difficulty may be that first step. Psalm 30:5 tells us that “weeping may come for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” It is not God’s desire for His children to remain in darkness but to find healing and joy.

[Information compiled from www.nimh.nih.gov/health/depression]

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