Screening for Depression in Seniors in 2021

The Coronavirus has left our senior population to be isolated, which often leads to depression. Our article on geriatric depression discusses the very real problem of seniors who face depression.

Screening for Depression

Screening for depression is extremely important. In today’s society you are no longer stigmatized by depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

• Online Screening – The DBSA offers private, free online screening that can help you determine if you need to further address problems such as depression. Take their online test without any worries to help you determine if you should seek further help.
• Mindful Meditation – The benefits of mindful meditation are many. UCLA provides a number of free meditation options for guided meditation. Meditation is a proven method to help reduce stress and increase your overall health.
• How Meditation Helps Senior Health – It is proven that seniors can benefit from meditation. Meditation improves both mental and physical health.
• Recognize & Get Treatment – Here is an excellent article that addresses not only recognizing but finding treatment for seniors who are depressed.

Local Resources (Chicago Area)

These resources are a way to reduce your risk for depression by keeping you active. They also address help in screening for depression.

• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center – This website offers anonymous and free online screening. The IMMC website is filled with a number of resources from volunteering abilities to advocacy and financial aid. They also offer a 24 hour hotline for help: 24-Hour Crisis Line at 773-296-5380.
• Mindfulness/Meditation – Meditation helps you address your mental status at any moment. It is an easy technique that can be self taught or by attending classes. This online site discusses how to be “in the moment” and discover peace through true relaxation. It explains how to utilize meditation for both restfulness and stress reduction.
• Socialization – Interacting with others is an excellent way to reduce your risk for depression. Here is a list of Chicago Senior Centers that can help you get out and enjoy the company of others.
• Little Brothers – This local chapter of Little Brothers offers a number of programs to help seniors stay in touch with the community. Their motto is “no senior will grow old alone” and they utilize a number of ways to keep seniors socially connected.
• Local Meditation Classes – There are a number of local yoga and meditation courses offered for senior citizens in our area. Here are a few we found:
• Meditate Yoga & Meditation Center – Free intro & guided meditation every Saturday. Visit their website for more information.
• Yoga in Chicago – Yoga is closely associated with meditation and can provide the mindfulness needed to help battle depression. This guide to yoga in Chicago can help you find a course specifically geared towards seniors, even some online.

Depression as You Age

• Know the Risk Factors – WebMD explains some of the risk factors associated with geriatric depression.
• You Are Not Alone – Depression and anxiety in seniors is more common than you think. PsychCentral states that an estimated 25% of seniors suffer from depression.
• 12 Depression Busters for Seniors – PsychCentral offers this article on 12 ways for seniors to battle against depression.

One of the goals of Senior Living Experts is to make the golden years of life truly golden. Finding the right place to live and age safely and happily is important. Let us help you find the right fit to live a life geared towards happiness and safety. Screening for depression is just one way that can help you find your path down the road to aging well.

‍Photo by The Sean & Lauren Spectacular