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The “blues” many older Americans feel over the holidays may be exacerbated this year by recent acts of terrorism and could signal the onset of serious depression, according to the head of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP).

“While it’s normal for seniors to feel sadness during this crisis, feelings of prolonged ‘blues’ over the holidays may be a serious case of depression,” said Stephen Bartels, M.D., M.S., president of AAGP. “Family and friends of the elderly should be on guard this holiday season for signs of depression.”

Dr. Bartels said the holidays can be an especially difficult time for older adults who may feel more acutely the passing of time, the absence of parents, siblings and friends who have died, and the distance of loved ones who have moved away. Seniors may feel irritable and uninterested in previously cherished rituals or in family and friends. “The recent events of September 11 may make this holiday season more difficult for seniors due to less contact with distant family members who may be reluctant to travel, or due to the reawakening of intense memories of previous losses from wars, natural disasters, or accidents,” Bartels added.

Older persons may need help from a mental health professional if they:

· Express thoughts of suicide. Suicidal thoughts are not the norm even in very old persons and their presence indicates the need for professional help. In fact, people age 75 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group;

· Use more than normal amounts of alcohol, pain medications, or sleeping pills. These may indicate an incipient depression;

· Act confused, can’t concentrate or seem lost in the midst of family affairs;

· Cry excessively. Shedding a tear of two during the holidays is a sign of sentiment, but when crying becomes disruptive or disabling it may be depression.

· Suddenly isolate themselves.

Friends, family members and caregivers can help by:

· Openly communicating their concern;

· Offering to call the individual’s doctor and accompany the senior to the appointment;

· Offering to arrange an appointment with the senior’s clergy to facilitate a referral to a mental health professional;

· Following through with support.

The AAGP is offering a free brochure, “Coping with Depression and the Holidays,” and a free referral service providing the names of board-certified geriatric psychiatrists in people’s areas. The brochure and referral service are available by calling 301-654-7850 or by visiting www.aagponline.org.

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a national association representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. It is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP’s mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans.