Does depression look differently in varying ages? Absolutely! Depression does not discriminate and it impacts all walks of life no matter the race, disability, socioeconomic status, age, religion or gender. Depression does affect age groups differently as well as gender. Sometimes depression gets passed off as difficult behaviors such as acting out, being moody, wanting attention, manipulation or sickness. Depression can be overlooked if you don’t know the signs, symptoms or how it might manifest in different age groups. Below are some behavior changes or symptoms that might indicate that someone is suffering from depression.
Depression in children and teenagers can look like: feeling hopeless, numbness. feeling worthiness, mood swings, sadness, withdrawn from family and friends, isolation, loss of interest in things, having meltdowns, change in eating habits and sleeping habits, anxiety, crying, irritability, clinginess, anger, avoidance of school or friends, difficulty in school or completion of work, risky behaviors such as sexual promiscuity, suicidal thoughts/attempts and self harming behaviors such cutting or drug/alcohol abuse just to name a few.
Common triggers to the behaviors mentioned above could be bullying, breakups, sleep disturbances, peer pressure, high expectations from parents, hormones, divorce, abuse, family stressors, changes, parents mental health or substance abuse issues, being subjected to domestic violence, Identities issues, loss of loved ones or friends and learning disabilities.
In regards to young adults and middle age adults, some of the signs of depression are: social isolation, abuse or violent behaviors, withdrawal from friends and parents, substance abuse, emotional breakdown, difficulty concentrating, difficulty of completing task or getting out of bed, lack of interest in things they enjoyed, irritability, physical illness, crying and anger. Triggers to some of these behaviors might include: life transitions such as college, unplanned pregnancy, breakup, infidelity, loss job, loss of love ones, living conditions, lack of support, trauma, responsibility to family, aging parents, body changes, financial stress and lack of ways to cope.
In addition, seniors who suffer from depression signs are fatigue, difficulty sleeping or eating, sadness, anxiety, trouble focusing, physical illness and mood changes in addition to the signs listed above. Seniors can be triggered by losing their spouses, feeling alone or isolated, health issues, changes in where they live, life decisions and medication that they are taking for health related issues.
Although, oftentimes depression can be mistaken for other issues, by learning the signs and symptoms, it can be addressed appropriately. If depression is not addressed, it can become worse and cause more physical issues. If a loved one or a friend is needing help, it is important to support them through this process by listening and asking what it is that they are needing - encourage them to seek therapy today with one of our therapists who specialize in treating depression at any age.
This blog post was written by Amanda Young, LCSW. Amanda is currently accepting new clients and has immediate availability - if you or someone you love is struggling with depression, contact us ASAP to get the help that is needed.