Trigger: Low Vitamin B12
If you’re feeling lethargic or depressed, too little vitamin B12 may be to blame. If you’re older, you’re more at risk for the B12 blues because you may not have enough stomach acid to release B12 from food.
Solution: Ask your doctor to measure levels of B12 in your blood. If it’s low, talk to your doctor about diet, oral supplements, or an injection to see what might be right for you.
Trigger: Changes in Sex Drive
As men age, their bodies produce less of the important sex hormone testosterone. Low testosterone levels can cause depression, as well as erectile dysfunction (ED) — trouble getting or keeping an erection — and a decreased interest in sex.
Solutions: Ask your doctor to test the levels of testosterone in your blood. If it is low, ask your doctor about replacement therapy and other treatment options.
Trigger: Thyroid Disorders
Depression can be one symptom of an underactive or occasionally overactive thyroid. In the case of overactive thyroid, it could be accompanied by heart flutters, tremors, or fatigue. An underactive thyroid can cause constipation or fatigue. That’s why this very treatable problem is often mistaken for bowel or nervous system disorders in older people.
Solution: See your doctor, especially if a close relative has thyroid disease.
Trigger: Achy Joints
Living with a condition that causes chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, increases the chance of having depression. In fact, people with chronic pain are three times as likely to have depression or an anxiety disorder. And depression can make pain worse.
Solution: Exercise, meditate, or listen to music. An hour of classical music a day has been shown to ease arthritis pain and depression. If the depression or pain doesn’t lift, talk to your doctor.
Trigger: Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormone fluctuations, hot flashes, and life changes related to perimenopause and menopause can make your mood plummet …
