Adult/Senior - Aging linked with depression - Social Emotional

“Subsyndromal” depression is defined by an individual having depression symptoms but don’t meet enough official criteria to get the diagnosis. What that means is that there many seniors dealing with dreadful sad and nervous moods and/or having sleep and energy difficulties, losing desire or pleasure in even basic things such as eating and being with others, dealing with increased aches and pains, and having awful thoughts about life and themselves.   

Unfortunately, all too many depressed seniors fail to recognize the symptoms of depression, or don’t take the steps to get the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults and the elderly is so often overlooked:

• You may assume you have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging.

• You may be isolated—which in itself can lead to depression.

• You may not realize that your physical complaints are signs of depression.

• You may be reluctant to talk about your feelings or ask for help.

Erik Erikson describes this stage as ego-integrity vs. despair. Erik Erikson believed if we see our lives as unproductive, feel guilt about our past, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness. 

Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom. Wisdom enables a person to look back on their life with a sense of closure and completeness, and also accept death without fear.