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| Older Adults |
 Depression is not a normal part of growing older.
Older adults may experience changes such as children moving away, illness, moving to assisted living facilities or the death of loved people. All of these things can lead to feelings of sadness or grief. But adults must seek for treatment when feelings of sadness last for a significant length of time and keep older adults from enjoying life the way they used to.
Depression treatment is particularly important for older adults because they tend to have a greater risk of suicide. Loved ones should observe the signs such as preoccupation with death, increased visits or calls, despairing statements or refusal to follow doctors’ recommendations for medication or diet plans.
 Older adults with depression may have other illnesses. Older adults should undergo physical examinations and their doctors should be aware of all medications they take for all illnesses. Some medications for other illnesses may cause symptoms of depression or have side effects that look and feel like depression.
It can be useful for older adults to speak with a group of people, who have had similar experiences and can understand and offer support. They may experience fear or shy at first, and not want anyone to know they have a mood disorder. Most people of all ages in DBSA support groups also fought with these feelings at first and can provide insight and support.
 Older adults are also inspired to take part in support groups for older adults that meet earlier in the day.
Depression across Cultures. Different cultures report the symptoms of depression in different ways. In Latino and Mediterranean cultures, people may interpret symptoms such as nervousness or headaches. In Asian cultures, depression may be described as fatigue, physical weakness or imbalance. In Middle Eastern and Native American cultures, depression may be interpreted as heart problems or heartbreak.
It is essential for people with symptoms of depression to tell their health care providers if they feel their unique personal or cultural experience is not being understood. Health care providers should learn something about the background and beliefs of each patient. This can help with diagnosis as well as treatment.
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