May 5, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

UCLA Geriatrician On Dealing With Holiday Depression:

The holiday season can be delightful for many, but for others, it can be a sad and stressful time. Several of my patients have lamented recently, “I hate the holidays. They are so depressing!”

This month’s column deals with depression – an important topic that can affect the quality of life for many elderly people. During the holiday season, older adults can be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly if they have lost loved ones or friends or are suffering from illness or family estrangement.

Depression is a common medical condition that can be easily treated. However, many patients and their loved ones often are reluctant to talk about depression because of the lingering social stigma. Of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, more than 6.5 million – almost 20 percent – are affected by the condition, and depression is twice as common in women.

Unlike occasional feelings of sadness, which most people experience, depression is a persistent sadness that lasts for months or even years. There are varying degrees and differing types of depression, some of which can interfere significantly with emotional and physical health, as well as quality of life. If untreated, depression can become severe and may eventually lead to suicide.

Major depression is characterized by the following symptoms occurring for at least a two-week period:

• Persistently sad or irritable mood.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

previously enjoyed.

• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or

worthlessness.

• Decreased energy.

• Problems with concentration.

• Change in appetite.

• Slowness in thinking or movement.

• Thoughts of suicide or death.

Patients with depression typically have insomnia and poor appetite. However, they also may have atypical symptoms such as sleeping too much or overeating. In older adults, depression can be more difficult to recognize and may present as confusion, memory problems, social withdrawal and vague physical or pain complaints. Less severe forms of depression (mild and moderate) are diagnosed when patients have some but not all of the symptoms listed above. No matter how mild, depression should be treated to prevent it from becoming crippling.

Depression can be caused by various factors, including biological, psychological and environmental issues. Many experts agree that there is a correlation between depression and an imbalance in different brain chemicals. The holidays can bring reminders of social, emotional and functional losses, such as loss of independence or death of a loved one or friend. These life events and family history also increase one’s risk for becoming depressed.

Depression often can be treated easily with medications and psychotherapy. If you think you or your loved one is suffering from depression or “holiday blues,” please see a doctor. No one should be embarrassed to seek help for depression and your primary care doctor can help you overcome it.

Dr. Hong Phuc-Tran is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, call 310.319.4371 or visit www.uclahealth.org.

in News
<>Related Posts

LADWP Hosts Women’s Career and Wellness Expo to Highlight Utility Jobs

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

IBEW Teams Up with LADWP to Advance Gender Equity in Public Utilities The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power...

AI Tool to Speed Building Permits in Fire Recovery

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

The software, developed by Archistar, uses machine learning, computer vision, and automated rulesets California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced...

Driver in Fatal PCH Crash That Killed Four Pepperdine Students Ordered to Stand Trial

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Man Accused of Driving 104 MPH in Fatal Malibu Crash  Fraser Michael Bohm, 23, was held to answer on four...

Film Review: The Accountant 2

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE ACCOUNTANT 2Rated R124 MinutesReleased April 25th   I’m impressed with The Accountant 2. It’s intelligently written, tightly paced, and...

Santa Monica College Police Department Investigates Reported Sexual Battery at Campus Library

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Victim Is an Enrolled Student; College Urges Vigilance and Awareness Santa Monica College officials are investigating a reported incident of...

Gun Discharged in Marina del Rey Classroom; No Injuries Reported

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

The school, located in the 100 block of East Anchorage Street, was locked down as a precaution A 13-year-old student...

Rolling Robots Camp is a ‘Tech Genius Program’

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Roll out the … robots.  An afterschool learning center for robotics and STEM is hosting weekly camps this summer designed...

Granddaughter Arrested After Allegedly Stabbing Grandmother in Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

The grandmother’s injuries were not life-threatening A woman was taken into custody after allegedly stabbing her grandmother during a domestic...

Beloved West Hollywood Cookie Shop Expanding to Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Junior Cookies has developed a loyal following in West Hollywood for its fresh, small-batch baked goods Junior Cookies, the West...

LAPD Seeks to Return 500 Firearms Recovered From Palisades Fire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Individuals who lost a firearm are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit  The Los Angeles Police Department is...

Voodoo Doughnuts to Soon Open Location in Windward Circle

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Voodoo Doughnut has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception, known for its imaginative flavors and sideshow activities Voodoo Doughnuts,...

New Coalition Rallies to Preserve Palisades’ Cultural Heritage After Wildfire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

A group of artists, preservationists, and architects is spearheading efforts to protect and reimagine the area’s historic character In the...

Cinco de Mayo Heats Up West Los Angeles With Food, Art, Music, and Mezcal Tastings

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Mezcal Tastings, DJ Sets, Live Mural Installations, and Tlayudas Await It’s almost time for the holiday that isn’t celebrated in...

Make Your Own Pizza and Sip Craft Beer at Santa Monica’s Gourmandise School May 4

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

DIY Pizza and Craft Beer Collab Coming to Santa Monica Place Food lovers are invited to roll up their sleeves...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

For More Info, Go To Aplustree.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/oL7U8M4k7B pic.twitter.com/CX9xWkFHAt — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) May 1,...