It’s seen as an “inevitable part of ageing” and that’s not good enough

The chief executive for Australia’s Council on the Ageing, Ian Yates, told the ABC that depression has been seen as an “inevitable part of ageing” but thinks that stigma needs to be fought. He adds, “It’s not … if you are suffering depression, you can be treated at any stage.”

Depression for anyone over-60 is a risk with Beyond Blue’s statistics showing that 15 per cent of over-65s were depressed while men over 85 were more likely to take their own lives.

Doctor’s are now calling for more research to be conducted to figure out what can be done and how some signs of depression are being misdiagnosed. Beyond Blue is on board with new research as they have partnered with Federal Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to fund a $5million grant to help combat the problem.

Head of Research for Beyond Blue Stephen Carbon told the ABC, “We’re looking for innovation, we’re looking for people to come forward with new ideas of how we can prevent depression, anxiety and suicide.”

The current prevention efforts for over-60s is seen as ineffective as many are given blanket prescribed anti-depressants when for some cases peer support and social involvement would be a better treatment.

The funding hopes to find the answers to help more Australians enjoy their senior years.

Have you had experience with depression? How was it treated? Do you think it was helpful?