Treatment for Depression
If you're feeling down, tired, or not like yourself, you're not alone—and you're not stuck. Depression is common, especially among older adults. In the U.S., over 30% of older adults have depression, but the good news is that it’s treatable. Whether you're facing sadness, loss of interest, or changes in sleep or appetite, there are ways to feel better.
This article walks through how depression is treated, including talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. With the right support, many people feel like themselves again.
Why Getting Help Matters
Depression is more than just feeling sad now and then. It can affect your body, mind, and daily life. But help is available—and getting treatment can make a real difference in how you feel and function.
You shouldn't hesitate to talk with your doctor about feelings of depression. Mention your feelings during your doctor visit, even if your doctor doesn't specifically ask about it, or call the doctor's office about your feelings of depression.
For older adults, treating depression can also improve memory, focus, sleep, and even heart health. You don’t have to "just live with it." There are proven treatments that work at any age.
1. Talk Therapy: A Safe Space to Feel Heard
One of the most common ways to treat depression is with talk therapy (also called psychotherapy or counseling). A trained therapist helps you talk through your thoughts and feelings and gives you tools to manage them.
A type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works especially well. It teaches you how to spot negative thought patterns and change them. Another type, problem-solving therapy, can help with day-to-day issues like loneliness or illness.
Why talk therapy is great for seniors: Therapy can help you adjust to life changes—like retirement, health issues, or the loss of a loved one. It’s also useful if you're not ready or able to take medication.
Tip: Medicare often covers therapy. Talk to your doctor about getting started.
2. Medication: Restoring Balance in the Brain
Sometimes, depression happens because of changes in brain chemicals that affect how you feel. Antidepressant medications help bring those chemicals back into balance. This can ease sadness, boost energy, and help you enjoy life again.
There are different types of antidepressants. Your doctor will help you find the one that works best for you, based on your health and any other medicines you take.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):
These are often the first type of antidepressant doctors try, especially for older adults. They help the brain keep more of a “feel-good” chemical called serotonin. This can improve mood, sleep, and appetite.
Examples:
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Why seniors use them: SSRIs are generally safe and have fewer side effects than older medications.
SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors):
These work a bit differently than SSRIs. They help the brain hold on to serotonin and norepinephrine, another brain chemical that affects mood and energy.
Examples:
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
Why seniors use them: SNRIs may be a good choice for people who also have nerve pain or long-term pain from other conditions like arthritis or diabetes.
Other Antidepressants:
If SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause side effects, your doctor may suggest other types of medication:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin): May help with energy and focus. It works on different brain chemicals than SSRIs and SNRIs.
Mirtazapine (Remeron): Often used when someone has trouble sleeping or isn’t eating enough. It can help improve both sleep and appetite.
Important Notes About Medication:
It may take 2 to 6 weeks to feel the full effects of a medication for depression.
Always take your medication as directed. Don’t stop or change your dose without talking to your doctor.
Side effects are possible but often go away after a short time. Tell your doctor if something doesn’t feel right—they may adjust the dose or try a different medicine.
It’s common to try more than one medication before finding the right fit.
Why this matters for seniors: Older adults often take several medications for other health issues, so it’s important to choose antidepressants that won’t interfere with those. Your doctor or pharmacist will check for safe combinations.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Small Steps That Make a Big Impact
Lifestyle changes are an important part of treating depression. While they may not replace therapy or medication, they can help make treatments more effective.
Here are a few simple changes that can help:
Stay Active: Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or tai chi can lift your mood. Even 10 minutes a day can help.
Make Healthy Food Choices: A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports brain health.
Commit to Good Sleep Habits: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid caffeine late in the day.
Stay Connected: Talking to a friend, family member, or neighbor can ease feelings of isolation. Don’t wait—reach out.
Practice Calm: Deep breathing, soft music, prayer, or guided relaxation can quiet a racing mind.
Why lifestyle changes are great for seniors: These habits support both mental and physical health and can often be started right at home.
What if treatment doesn’t work right away?
Sometimes depression doesn’t improve with the first treatment. This is called treatment-resistant depression. If that happens, don’t give up. Your doctor may:
Adjust your medication or dose
Recommend a different type of therapy
Add a second medication for better results
It may take some trial and error, but there are many paths to feeling better.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you’ve felt sad, tired, or uninterested in life for more than two weeks, it’s time to talk to your doctor. They can help figure out if it’s depression and walk you through the next steps.
Be honest about how you’re feeling—even if it’s hard. There’s no shame in asking for help. Depression is a medical condition, not a weakness, and treatment works.
Depression is common in older adults, but it doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. With the right care—whether it’s talk therapy, medication, or small daily changes—you can feel better, enjoy your days more, and improve your overall health.
Reach out to your doctor and take that first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
Mayo Clinic: Depression Treatment
Mayo Clinic: Antidepressants: Selecting one that’s right for you
Mayo Clinic: Treatment-resistant depression
National Library of Medicine: Prevalence and determinants of depression among old age: a systematic review and meta-analysis