Persistent sadness or hopelessness, frequent crying for no apparent reason. General irritability and thoughts of death or suicide or even suicide attempts. Decreased energy or fatigue. It is not typical to be depressed in later life. Depression is a serious illness that needs to be identified and treated.
Unrecognized depression is untreated depression.
Without proper treatment depression can continue for months or even years, and escalate into suicidal feelings and gestures. Depression may be the cause of up to two-thirds of suicides in older adults. Older Americans are considered the group most at risk for suicide. There are things that can be done to help overcome the feelings of depression. First, family members, friends, caregivers and professionals should be alert to the changes in a person's appearance and behavior, rather than only relying on what he or she says.