Depression, Anxiety and Older People
What is depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can affect how you think, feel and act. They can make daily life harder and cause emotional distress.
Depression often feels like constant sadness or losing interest in things you usually enjoy, most of the day.
Anxiety is when you feel strong worry, fear, or nervousness about things that feel more threatening or serious than they actually are. These feelings can be hard to manage or control.
These conditions can happen to anyone at any time of their life. As we get older, changes in our health, losing loved one, or feeling lonely can leave us feeling sad or anxious. However, feeling down or anxious for many weeks is not a normal part of ageing.
What choices do I have?
There are many ways to get back to feeling well. It can take time to find what works best for you. There are changes that you can make to your day-to-day living. There are also options involving health professionals or medicines.
Start here with a resource that helps you think through what might work for you:
- Depression and anxiety in later life: getting back to feeling well
Tips for managing depression and/or anxiety as you get older.
What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are medicines used to help you manage your depression or anxiety. For older people, antidepressants can play an important role in supporting mental health. However, their effects, benefits, and potential risks may change as you age.
It is important to talk with your health professional about what is right for you.
Visit our FAQ page Antidepressant medicines – What do you need to know for more information on:
- how antidepressants work,
- possible side effects of antidepressants, or
- important things to think about before taking them.
Hear from people with lived experience
In this video 4 people share what it’s like living with depression and or anxiety, while taking antidepressants.
Watch the full My Journey with Antidepressants video series to hear four people share their experiences:
- starting antidepressants,
- what its like being on them,
- coming off them, and
- reflections about taking antidepressants to manage their depression and or anxiety.
How do I choose the right antidepressant?
When deciding on antidepressants, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional about what works best for you. This includes looking at:
- how well the medicine works,
- any side effects,
- your overall health, and
- how easy it is to stop the medicine if needed.
Managing antidepressants in later life can feel challenging, but small steps can make a difference. It’s helpful to:
- Monitor how you’re feeling regularly.
- Keep track of any side effects or changes.
- Talk openly with your healthcare professional about your concerns.
Should I stop taking antidepressants?
There are many reasons why someone might want to stop taking their antidepressant. Over time, your healthcare professional may also suggest reviewing your medication to see if it’s still the right option for you.
If you are thinking about reducing or stopping your antidepressant, it’s important to do so safely, with support from your healthcare professional. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or the return of your original symptoms.
These resources can help you have that conversation and plan with your health professional:
- Do I Still Need My Antidepressant – 5 Questions
A resource to help you have clear and helpful conversations with your healthcare professional about whether your antidepressant is still right for you. - My Antidepressant Deprescribing Plan
A tool to use with your healthcare professional. It helps you make a safe, step-by-step plan to reducing or stopping your antidepressant, tailored to your needs.
Need more information?
- Use Choosing Wisely’s 5 questions to ask your doctor before any test, treatment or procedure.
- Have medicines you no longer need? Return them for free at any pharmacy through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) program.
- Find good health information at the Canberra Health Literacy Hub.
- Are you a health professional? Visit Medcast’s QHUB for Antidepressants in Older people. Find free, high-quality education and resources, on the safe use of medicines.
- Want to stay updated on this project? Register to receive updates.
Resources
Find Resources about Depression, Anxiety and Older People on the Resources page.
Depression or anxiety later in life: getting back to feeling well
This guide helps you talk to your healthcare professional or to someone you trust.
Antidepressant medicines – What do you need to know
Visit this webpage for Frequently Asked Questions about taking antidepressants.
Do I still need my Antidepressant – 5 Questions to ask
This resource helps you talk to your healthcare professional about stopping or reducing your antidepressant medicine.
My Journey with Antidepressants
Watch this four-part video series about consumers' lived experience using antidepressants.
