Depression and Suicide Mental health continues to be one of America's major public health problems. If you have a loved one experiencing this type of difficulty, you are not alone. Because of isolation, personal loss and loneliness, depression is a particular problem. Women are at a higher risk of suffering from depression disorders than men. This is understandable, as 3 out of 4 women outlive their husbands.
Depression often begins as grief.
While grief is natural and even healthy, if it goes on too long you should seek help. The symptoms of depression may include the inability to concentrate, make decisions, or to cope with problems and daily activities. If depression is not treated, suicide can be the result as the individual plunges deeper into hopelessness. There are many programs tailored to the mental health needs of seniors. Fortunately, depression is one of the most treatable forms of mental illness.