10 - Depression, Anxiety, and What Good Is Feeling Bad?

Summary

Depression is common in older people and people who are depressed may have significant memory problems. Recurrent thoughts of sadness may interfere with the registration of new memories. It can develop as a response to life events and appear independently of what is happening. People with a history of serious depression may experience more depression with age. However, people who didn’t experience depression in their younger years may also develop depression. Depression may be a warning sign of mental or physical illness, or a sign of a troubled relationship. Many depressed older persons are aware of their depression, but some are not. Recognizing the presence of depression is key to dealing with it effectively. Signs of depression include sadness and recurring thoughts of regret. Depression is also indicated by loss of appetite, loss of weight, difficulty with sleeping, and loss of interest in activities. There is a vicious cycle in which lack of activity leads to depression, which leads to a lack of activity. Also, social media can also induce negative emotional states. The ability to manage our response to life events is a fundamental part of psychological reserve.