Depression is NOT a normal part of aging—yet it’s silently stealing joy, independence, and even life from millions of older adults. Most go undiagnosed and untreated. Why? Because we mistake their suffering for “just getting older.” But here’s the truth: late-life depression is serious—and it’s highly treatable.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to spot the signs, challenge the myths, and take action that truly changes lives.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Here’s the Truth:
When older adults don’t receive mental health care:
✔️ Medical issues worsen
✔️ Medication use increases
✔️ Hospital visits spike
✔️ Caregiver and family stress grows
✔️ Quality of life plummets
✔️ Suicide risk rises
But when they do get care? Healing happens. Purpose returns. And lives transform.
What You Can Do If Your Worried About Depression in an Older Adult:
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Connect the older adult with their primary care provider to Rule out medical or medication-related causes.
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Ask for a depression screening at the Primary Care Provider’s office.
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Refer to a specialist. Visit our national provider directory to find a therapist who specializes in older adult mental health.
Resources for Professionals
Depression screening tools like the PHQ-9 or GDS-15 are normed for older adults. Learn more about screening for depression among older adults here.
Related Resources
- Free Download: Clinician’s Guide to Mental Health & Aging
- Mental Health & Aging Certificate Program
- Culturally Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults Certificate Program
- End of Life Ethics & Psychotherapy Course
- See all CEU Courses
- National Provider Directory
Remember…
it’s only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So thank you for being here—and thank you for doing your part.
See you next week!
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Professionals…
Grab your free guide to working with older adults here → 60085.showitstaging.com/guide
Dr. Regina Koepp is a board certified clinical psychologist, clinical geropsychologist, and founder and CEO of the Center for Mental Health & Aging: the “go to” place for mental health and aging. Dr. Koepp is a sought after speaker on the topics of mental health and aging, caregiving, ageism, resilience, intimacy in the context of life altering Illness, and dementia and sexual expression. Dr. Koepp is on a mission to ensure mental health and belonging for older adults, because every person at every age is worthy of healing, transformation, and love. Learn more about Dr. Regina Koepp here.
Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP
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