Low mood in older people

Low mood is an illness that can sometimes get better on its own, but often needs some further encouragement. You may recognise symptoms such as:

• loss of interest or pleasure in doing things
• not wanting to go out as much
• eating less, or much more
• losing weight, or gaining weight
• avoiding answering the door, or the phone
• feel in a panic or more nervous
• worrying more than is usual, and tearfulness
• not want to get up in the morning
• you may feel that you are useless or a burden to others

Many people struggle with low mood. In fact, it is believed that 25% of people over the age of 65 feel low enough to warrant further support.

Many popular and influential people have had low mood. Winston Churchill had depression on and off for many years and called his depression his ‘Black Dog’.

Depression can gradually build up over time and become overwhelming.

At times, low mood can feel like it comes out of the blue.

Sometimes it comes from within as we may blame ourselves for how we feel. Often there is an external trigger like those listed below:

• Physical illness: This can be exhausting and painful which lowers our mood.
• Past depression: We know that you are more likely to be depressed if you have suffered from depression before.
• Medicines: Some medications can have side effects. One of these side effects could be depression. Talk to your GP to clarify this.
• Painful events: These can trigger depression. Painful events can be things such as the death of a loved one or the loss of job.

Women also tend to be more affected by low mood than men, but perhaps men don’t find it as easy to talk about it.

The symptoms and effect of low mood are largely the same regardless of age, gender, ethnicity and so forth. However, as we age our body changes, and often our lifestyle does as well.

Here are some key aspects that contribute to low mood in older people:

• Long-term illness: Health problems can feel or appear worse than they are because of our worry. You may become more upset by health problems as low mood can make them worse. Treating low mood won’t cure any health issues but can make them more bearable.
• Confusion or memory problems: Feeling low or suffering with nerves can affect our memory and concentration levels. You may worry you are suffering with dementia.
• Caring for others: You may find that you are now caring for other people. This can make it difficult for you to make time for yourself and look after you.
• Loneliness: Living on your own does not make you feel low. However, you can feel an overwhelming feeling of loneliness which you hadn’t felt before. This may indicate you are feeling low.
• Physical symptoms: Some physical symptoms can give you symptoms of low mood. For example, losing weight may be a thyroid problem, heart disease or arthritis. It’s always important that if you recognise the symptoms, you ask your GP for some physical tests as well.

Out of the estimated 18% of people in England over 65 with low mood, only 5.2% ask for help.

It’s time to ask for help when:

• You don’t feel you can cope on your own
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• The symptoms have gone on for several weeks
• You start to feel hopeless
• It’s starting to become the centre of your life

If you find asking for help difficult, or perhaps don’t know where to ask, there are many people you can talk to. You can speak to:

• A close friend or family member
• A religious leader
• A community warden or carer
• Your GP
• NHS Talking Therapies, or Navigo, using the numbers on this website

Remember that low mood is an illness like any other. If you had the flu, the doctor would advise medication and rest.

If you have low mood we recommend the below things:

• Keep in touch: Visit people and let people visit you. Phone people and answer the phone when it rings. You may not want to in the beginning but you’ll feel better for it. Who could you call? Where could you start to connect with people?
• Keep active: Whether it’s a walk or some gentle leg rises in your chair, exercise helps lift our mood and helps us to feel better. What exercise could you do?
• Keep a routine: If you have activities you attend or hobbies you have, try to keep doing them. What are some activities you enjoy doing?
• Look after yourself: Get yourself up, washed and dressed every day. If you are on medication, make sure you take it and keep appointments with your GP.
• Eat well: Appetite changes as we age and we often are unable to eat foods we enjoy. However it is important that you eat regular snacks and healthy meals every day. You might want to start keeping a diary which can help you plan activities and keep you motivated.
• Do a mixture of things: When we feel down we might stop doing things we enjoy, like hobbies and interests, but we keep doing routine activities like housework. This can make us feel more low.

Remember, these are the small things that make the big difference. By using these tips, you will make the steps towards feeling better.