Depression FAQs

Memory loss, trouble concentrating and attention difficulties that make it more difficult to do the things that you used to enjoy or have no difficulty with is not a normal part of aging. While occasionally forgetting an appointment or an old acquaintance’s name may be related to normal aging, changes in memory, concentration, and attention that impact your life may be caused by an illness, including depression.
Other symptoms of depression, including low energy, depressed mood, and changes in sleep, may be mistakenly attributed to other illnesses or even just the aging process. This can make it more difficult for older adults to get treatment for depression. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and think you may have depression, give us a call.

There are other options for treating depression, including psychotherapy. There are many different types of psychotherapy, including problem solving therapy (called “PST”) and cognitive behavioral therapy. Some psychotherapies are brief (4-10 sessions) while others last for a longer, open-ended period of time. Our research at the CREATIV lab focuses on developing new treatments for depression. Currently we are studying new psychotherapies and technology-based care. We hope that these new forms of treatments are both easier for people to access and take less time to show results.
You should always speak with your doctor when you are making a decision about your medication. If you are currently taking antidepressants but considering a change, please contact your doctor.

What’s wrong with me that I don’t enjoy things anymore? My kids think I should be doing more.
A loss of interest in doing things and not getting as much pleasure from doing the things that you used to enjoy are common symptoms of depression. We often think about depression as a sad, down mood, but a lack of interest in activities can be the main symptom of depression, even in individuals who are not experiencing significant sadness or low mood.

There are many benefits to talking with someone about problems that feel unsolvable. Therapists and counselors have experience dealing with many types of problems. He or she listens to you and helps you find your own answers, without judging you. Keeping problems inside may make things feel even more overwhelming. Talking about problems helps you sort through your feelings and put things into perspective. Talking also helps release stress you may be feeling.
Brief talk therapies such as problem solving therapy (PST) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focus on looking at how your feelings may affect your thoughts, behaviors and mood. The therapist listens to you and helps you find your own solutions to problems. He or she helps you learn to make positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors. Other structured therapies, such as interpersonal therapy, focus on how you relate to others and help you make positive changes in your personal relationships. Finally, other approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, are open-ended and focus on longstanding patterns and feelings that are explored over a longer and less structured course of treatment. These types of therapy can all be effective in treating depression.