Self-help Articles

by The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The Administration on Aging (AoA) has joined the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in a widespread dissemination of a fact sheet entitled, "Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts," to help people recognize the signs of depression, reduce suicide risk in older adults, and promote treatment. In cooperation with AoA, NIMH mades information available nationwide on this widely under recognized and under-treated illness.

More than 2 million of Americans ages 65 and older suffer from depression, but doctors and patients may have trouble recognizing its signs. To help identify and promote discussion of depression during medical visits, the fact sheet includes a cue card of symptoms for older adults entitled, "Before You Say, 'I'm Fine.'" It presents questions for older adults to ask themselves, such as if they feel nervous or empty, guilty or worthless, or whether life seems worth living. If their answers indicate that they are depressed, the card suggests talking to a doctor.

The fact sheet also cites the role of modern brain imaging technologies, studies of genetics and brain chemistry, and a variety of effective medications and psychotherapies regarding the clinical course and treatment of late-life depression.

Interested people can find more information at the NIMH website and at the AoA website.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) conducts and supports research nationwide on mental illness and mental health, including studies of the brain, behavior, and mental health services. NIMH is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the principal biomedical and behavioral research agency of the United States Government. NIMH is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.