Review Of The Book Depression In Later Life by Deborah Serani

 Some risk factors of depression are fear of death, female, lack of a supportive social network, living alone, social isolation, mutiple medications, mutiple physical illnesses, neurological illness, recent fall or injury, recent loss of a loved one, single, unmarried, divorced or widowed, sleep disturbance, stressful life event, untrated subclinical depression.

Some people have weight gain from the depressive symptoms of overeating and decreased activity. Suicide is a significant risk for anyone with a mental illness
 Over 3,000 people die each day by suicide. Every 40 seconds someone dies from suicide.  Falls should never be considered a normal part of aging. Depression is a very real illness that effects the emotional, social, behavioral, physical health of a person. The word health organization has stated that depression is a global crisis. Approximately 7 million older meet the criteria for a depressive disorder. A serious mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn't give it the slip either. Depression is a serious but treatable illness with success rates of upward of 80 percent for those who seek treatment. Talking about depression reduces symptoms. This is the whole goal of talk therapy, to talk about your experiences, thoughts and concerns. People with depression can live, full productive lives.