The best thing about acknowledging a potential problem is the hope for improving the quality of your life. In the last installment, we took a look at the statistics. Knowing you’re not alone generally makes it easier to be honest with yourself about your experiences. So now you’re aware. But what’s next? Take responsible action. Let me ask you this: if you suspected you had a serious physical illness or disease, would you write it off as no big deal? I’m sure the answer is no--you'd probably look for some type of long-term care. Your mental well-being is just as important. If you’re still hesitant to see your doctor regarding your depression symptoms, this confidential depression screening test can help you with that decision. If you already know you need to take action, here’s what I recommend.

Find a psychiatrist. While it may sound scary, it’s smarter to get an expert opinion than to accept sample medications from your doctor. I know, the Zoloft commercials tell you to ask your doctor for medication so you, too, can be a happy bouncing ball. I equate this to getting heart medication from a podiatrist, which I don’t recommend. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, will prescribe antidepressants, recommend psychotherapy or suggest a combination of the two that is appropriate for you. On the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation website, you can search for a geriatric psychiatrist who is sensitive to your special needs as an older adult.
Tell your psychiatrist about other medications you are taking. Certain drugs can worsen the symptoms of depression, while others can react negatively with antidepressants. Drugs that increase depression symptoms include medication for pain, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis, along with some anticancer agents, heart medications and tranquilizers.
Look for a local support group. Isolation is often both a contributing factor and consequence of depression. Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, has 320 affiliates nationwide and is composed of professionals, advocates, individuals in recovery and their families. The search engine on their site connects you with local resources, including social and support groups. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is another wonderful resource providing links to support services, educational programs and events and recovery steps.
Learn as much as you can about the illness. The research on depression and mental illness is far too vast to summarize here, but the Internet is overflowing with information. The elderly depression section of the Help Guide website is the most comprehensive I’ve found, with links to articles about senior depression, community resources and volunteer organizations that will keep your body and mind active.
Visit the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry Web Site. The site delineates resources for members of the organization, as well as patients and caregivers, health care professionals and members of the media. Touted as “the source for information on aging and mental health,” this comprehensive site is an invaluable source for everything depression-related.
The best help is out there and it’s available right now. Do your homework and work toward your happiness. As I plan to tell my kids and grandkids one day: health and happiness are the cornerstones of a life lived to its potential.