Depression is not an inevitable part of ageing and older people should not be embarrassed to discuss their mental health with their GP, a well-known specialist has said. Deborah Condon, www.irishhealth.com, reports:

According to Prof Brian Lawlor, a consultant in old age psychiatry at St James's Hospital in Dublin, depression can affect people of all ages. However while some people may believe it is inevitable as we age, ‘this is certainly not the case'.

"It is important that older people should discuss their mental health and emotional wellbeing with their GP and not feel embarrassed about it. Sometimes we see older people being very stoical and not wanting to admit a weakness, but mental health is as important as physical health and must be maintained," Prof Lawlor said.

He made his comments at the launch of a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of depression and the importance of mental health in later life.

The campaign, by Lundbeck (Ireland) Ltd and supported by Age and Opportunity, is targeting older people who may be reluctant to talk to their doctors about mental health.

Research undertaken earlier this year found that 79% of older people felt that losing friends and close relations to illness would definitely or probably lead to depression. Almost four in 10 older people also said that they found it a struggle to keep depression at bay.

The research noted that the average view of older men was considerably more positive than that of women, with older women admitting to greater age-related mental health challenges.

Getting older inevitably means a change in roles and lifestyle, such as children leaving home, retirement, the development of physical health problems, experiencing bereavements or moving to a nursing home.

These stressful life events can trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation and can lead to depression. Mobility can become limited which results in a loss of independence, possibly resulting in a spouse or child becoming the carer.

This forced change of role in life can lead to an individual feeling depressed. Speaking at the launch, broadcaster, Gay Byrne, urged all those over the age of 60 to be proactive about their mental health.

"While we are lucky to live in such a youthful and vibrant country, it is important to remember that older people can be overlooked and ignored in society. This can lead to feelings of isolation," he noted.

Also speaking at the launch, Catherine Rose, CEO of Age and Opportunity highlighted the work of the organisation, that was established to promote opportunities for people to continue to participate in all aspects of life as they age.

"We work in a range of areas forging links with local development organisations, arts, sports and education providers so as to create conditions where people can make choices and shape their own lives. Our programmes include, for example, the Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates creativity in older age, and which has been found to improve quality of life of participants and to enhance social connectedness," she explained.

Symptoms of depression may include feeling depressed or low in mood most of the time, a loss of interest or enjoyment in life, feeling anxious, agitated or irritable, changes to sleeping patterns, changes in appetite and having low energy levels.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and/or are having any thoughts of suicide or death, talk to a healthcare professional or with a support group such as AWARE (tel: 1890 303 302)

Meanwhile Lundbeck has produced an information booklet, ‘Mind Yourself - Depression in Later Life', to help older people who may have depression. It is available free by calling (01) 468 9800.

Source: www.irishhealth.com