No Need For Elderly To Sing The Blues

By Nancy K. Crevier

Dr Paul Fitch of Newtown Family Medicine, Route 6, shared his insights on depression with more than 30 seniors at the Newtown Senior Center on Wednesday afternoon, May 4.

Formerly a practitioner in New Milford and rural Maine, Dr Fitch opened his practice in Newtown eight months ago. He treats families, from babies to the elderly.

Often, said Dr Fitch, his elderly patients come to him complaining of vague pains that cannot be attributed to a physical health problem. What is often the problem is depression, which can present itself atypically in older people. Slowing down, irritability, anxiety, a loss of interest in personal care, and feelings of helplessness can indicate depression, said this doctor. Friends, families, and caretakers of the elderly should be alert to these subtle symptoms.

A lasting, sad mood with a loss of interest in activities that lasts more than two weeks should be a matter of concern. Other symptoms to watch for are sudden weight loss, lack of concentration, changes in activity level, lack of energy or complaints of being tired all of the time, feelings of uselessness, and, especially, repeated thoughts of suicide or death.

“You would be surprised,” he told the men and women in attendance, “how often I have heard an elderly patient say, ‘Oh, I just don’t want to live anymore; I’ve got a gun at home…’”

That, he says, is truly depression. It is more than just the blues.

Why does depression affect the elderly? It could be a chemical imbalance, which medication can correct, it could be an inherited tendency, medications, life situations, or a combination of all of those things.

At this point in life, said Dr Fitch, older people are going through changes. Friends and family may move away. Money worries are common, and personal losses can be great.

Working with your doctor to discover the root of the depression is essential, he says. One thing the elderly can do to help themselves and their doctor is to write down all of the medications they take, the strength of the dose, and how and when they are actually taken. Polypharmacy, taking multiple drugs, can cause depression.

“How many of you take three to five medications a day?” he asked the crowd, and several hands went up.

“Anybody take more than five?” More hands were raised.

“Don’t stop taking your drugs,” he warned, but he advised the audience to be aware of drug interactions. A doctor needs to know about any over-the-counter drugs a patient takes regularly, too, as well as any herbs or supplements. Sometimes a simple adjustment in medication can be the answer to feelings of depression.

“Get out there and do something,” urged Dr Fitch, as another treatment to depression. “Exercise is important.”

Other habits that maintain a healthy mental state include nourishing the body well and avoiding alcohol abuse. Alcohol can stimulate depression in a person already prone to the disease.

One of the most important ways to treat depression is through counseling. A paid professional is not always covered by insurance, though, says Dr Fitch. But, he suggested, “You don’t have to bear the burden yourself.” Talking to a friend or opening up to family members can ease fears and anxieties.

Dr Fitch feels that a belief in something bigger than one’s self goes a long way toward happiness. By reaching out through volunteer work, reconnecting with family, or joining a social or worship group, feelings of uselessness can be alleviated.

Depression, he stressed to the seniors, is not a normal part of aging. To treat it, and treat it well, takes awareness and communication to the doctor.

“Be bold enough to invade someone’s personal space,” recommends Dr Fitch. “Ask someone if they are okay.”