Getting older means your body slows down. It may mean life changes significantly, and sometimes quality of life can suffer. For many older adults, health challenges are common, but depression is not a normal part of growing older. It is a treatable condition that warrants professional support.
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we offer inpatient mental health treatment for older adults. Our care focuses on psychiatric and behavioral care, and it can make an incredible difference in your future.
When Do Older People Need Depression Treatment?
It’s estimated that about 4% of all older adults in the United States over the age of 70 suffer from depression. It often occurs when a person suffers from significant health, financial, or social changes. It’s not the same as grieving the loss of a loved one or just feeling down. You may benefit from depression treatment if you have symptoms of depression such as:
- Feeling empty, sad, and hopeless constantly
- Lacking energy or feeling tired all of the time
- Weight gain or significant weight loss, especially when unplanned
- Not engaging or wanting to be a part of activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling easily frustrated and restless
- Thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself
- Feeling worthless or overly guilty even without justification
- Difficulty with concentration and making decisions
In these situations, you may feel that this is the way “life is” when you’re older. That doesn’t have to be the case. Treatment for depression can restore quality of life even with limitations ahead of you.
Who Is Most Likely to Suffer Depression as a Senior?
Depression is a diagnosed mental health condition that impacts thought processes and overall well-being. It can happen to anyone. Some older adults are more likely to suffer from depression than others for several reasons:
- Health: A person with one or more health conditions is more likely to suffer from depression. This includes diagnosed conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Some medications taken for health conditions can worsen depression risks.
- Mobility: Limited mobility can make it harder to engage in life activities. This can increase the risk of mental health disorder development.
- Sleep: Older adults who struggle to get enough sleep or enough quality sleep for any reason are more likely to develop depression.
- Isolation: Seniors who are more isolated from family, friends, and activities are more likely to develop depression.
If you suspect you are struggling with depression, seek treatment. Most people benefit from medications and therapy provided on an outpatient basis. That means you can feel better about the future.
When Inpatient Depression Treatment Is Necessary for Seniors
Inpatient depression treatment is beneficial when depression or other mental health challenges are worsening or are limiting a person’s ability to live their life as they desire. If you have any of the following signs of serious depression, contact Willow Creek immediately:
- You are at risk of harm. That includes harming yourself or others. If you think about suicide or have planned to hurt yourself, seek immediate help.
- Reality changes make it hard to know what’s real. Sometimes, what seems normal really is not. If your family and friends believe there is concern, including if you are facing paranoia or delusions, inpatient treatment is beneficial.
- Caring for yourself is hard. Some people simply stop caring for themselves. Eating, sleeping, getting enough fluid, and just maintaining hygiene can become too hard to do. This may relate to depression when it’s not necessarily physical limitations causing you not to care for yourself.
- Outpatient care isn’t helping. Most people benefit from outpatient depression treatment, but for some, it is not enough. You may be trying to do as expected or taking medication as directed, and still not getting help.
- You’re dependent on substances. A person may have worsening depression symptoms due to the use of alcohol or drugs. Comprehensive treatment that includes both mental health and substance use disorder care at the same time may be critical to your long-term recovery.
Inpatient mental health is an investment in yourself. No matter your age or health conditions, you deserve an environment that allows you to heal.
What to Expect from Mental Health Treatment at Willow Creek
Our inpatient mental health care services for seniors provide a variety of treatment options. We guide you through medication management, group therapy, and individual therapy. Family therapy can also be included. We offer 24/7 nursing support and trauma-informed care.
Request an assessment by contacting us. We also have an open-door policy. If you are at risk of harming yourself, call 988 immediately or simply visit Willow Creek. We are here to provide authentic help that restores your quality of life. Contact us now to learn more.
