Depression among older adults is a significant but often overlooked public health concern. While sadness and grief are inevitable in life, persistent depression should not be a normal part of aging. Still, more than 8% of older adults experience clinical depression every year, and many cases go undiagnosed due to stigma and the mistaken belief that everyone experiences depressive symptoms with age.
Depression in older adults deserves attention and professional treatment, especially due to its relationship with another severe issue – substance abuse.
Why Depression in Older Adults Is an Alarming Issue
Aging brings unique challenges, including social isolation, declining health and bereavement – all of which increase the risk of depression. Unfortunately, many older adults do not receive proper mental health treatment for several reasons.
- Your loved ones might attribute fatigue, forgetfulness or a lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities to aging instead of recognizing the potential warning signs of a mood disorder.
- Older adults are less likely to seek help. Many seniors grew up in a time when mental health was a taboo topic, leading them to suffer in silence.
- Physical symptoms often take priority in health care settings. As a result, doctors may overlook signs of emotional distress in medical exams.
Unaddressed depression in older adults can worsen existing health conditions, increase the risk of suicide and contribute to substance abuse as people seek ways to self-medicate their pain.
The Hidden Link Between Depression and Substance Abuse in Older Adults
Many older adults use alcohol or prescription medications to cope with depression, often without realizing they might develop a dangerous dependence. Unfortunately, this issue frequently goes overlooked for several reasons.
- While younger people may misuse illicit drugs, older adults are more likely to rely on alcohol, making their substance use less noticeable.
- Many seniors take prescription medications, including painkillers and sedatives, which can be highly addictive even when used as directed. Polysubstance abuse multiplies the dangers in unpredictable ways.
- Memory loss, confusion, dizziness or frequent falls are red flags of substance abuse, but they often mimic other age-related conditions like dementia, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Older adults often have fewer responsibilities and social obligations, which can allow the warning signs of addiction to go unnoticed.
Breaking the Cycle of Depression and Substance Abuse
Many older adults who could benefit from professional addiction and mental health treatment never receive it. Recognizing this critical gap in care, Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat offers specialized treatment for adults 55 and older.
We are a CARF-accredited facility housed within a general acute care hospital, allowing our clients to receive comprehensive, integrated medical and mental health care under one roof.
We recognize that older adults face unique emotional and physical challenges. Our program provides age-specific therapy to help clients deal with depression, grief, loss and substance misuse in a comfortable, homelike environment.
- Medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Evidence-based therapy to address depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
- Education on healthy coping strategies to prevent a relapse and improve your well-being.
Hope and Healing at HVRC
Depression and substance abuse do not have to define your golden years. Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat provides compassionate, specialized care that allows older adults to reclaim their health, happiness and sense of purpose. Reach out to us today to learn more about our hospital-based addiction and mental health programs for older adults.