Black dog, grey

By Keryn Curtis, with contributions

Australian Ageing Agenda is giving away two copies of the latest book from the Black Dog Institute, Managing Depression Growing Older – a Guide for Carers and Professionals.

Written and edited by Kerrie Eyers (psychologist, teacher and editor), Professor Gordon Parker (internationally recognised psychiatrist) and Professor Henry Brodaty (worldwide authority on ageing and dementia), it presents a highly informative and equally accessible look at depression in the later years of life from the perspective of both individuals and clinicians.

Managing Depression Growing Older was launched last week by Professor Helen Christensen, the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, a research, education and support service for understanding and managing depression. 

Professor Christensen said an estimated eight per cent of older adults in Australia experience depression and their number will increase as the population ‘greys’. At present, life expectancy at 65 years has increased by 10 years to 18 or more additional years.

“So this latest book from the Black Dog Institute is timely. It shows those growing older today have more choices than did any previous generation and that depression is not the invariable companion of those who are 65 years and older.”

Professor Christensen said the new book emphasised the positive aspects of growing older and how best to skillfully manage ageing and the transitions involved. The aim of the book, she said, was to reduce stigma about depression and ageing and to give the ‘invisible people’ – the elderly with depression and their carers – a voice.

According to Professor Christensen, unless restricted by disease or poverty, older people in the Western world can look forward to leading a healthy, independent and contented life.

“More than 90 per cent of people can anticipate an older age that is, in the main, fruitful and satisfying,” said Professor Christensen. However, she cautioned, “We need to plan ahead to achieve an effective, financially secure, healthy, engaged and content older age.”

“While there are the predictable challenges that come with age – changing roles, irrelevance, loneliness, health and financial problems – self-awareness and the support of others helps to chart a course through these shoals.”

The Chief Executive of COTA NSW, Mr Ian Day, said the book communicated many important messages about depression as experienced by older Australians. “Above all, it makes it clear that depression is not a ‘symptom’ of ageing. Depression – experienced at any age – needs to be treated. [The book] also helps older people and those who care about (or for) them understand how depression can be recognised and addressed. Highly recommended.” 

While there is a wide span of potentially complex information and terminology covered, the general tone and style of the book is refreshingly simple, direct and easy to access. This is in large part due to the liberal inclusion of personal stories and reflective clinician accounts, replete with case notes, interesting observations and ‘lessons learnt’.  Here is a book that leads the reader on an engaging journey; from coming to terms with the business of finding oneself ‘old’, through the various manifestations and potential causes of depression in later years, to diagnosis, therapeutic approaches and carer support.

It outlines the warning signs of mental illness, symptoms of ‘clinical’ depression and prominent risk factors. In addition, there is an extensive list of ideas for the older person who is depressed  to help themselves, including tapping into help networks such as general practitioners, local church and community groups and maintaining a formal written ‘wellness’ plan. 

It is generously doused with quotes and insights from famous and not so famous people and there’s a box of ‘noteworthy’ summary comments and definitions at the end of each chapter.  

Managing Depression Growing Older – a Guide for Carers and Professionals, is published by Allen & Unwin, and is now available in bookshops and stores AUD $27.99.

Win one of two free copies!

To claim one of the two free copies AAA has to give away, you will have to visit our facebook page and leave a comment on the link to this story, telling us you would like to receive a free copy of the book and giving your name and a contact email address or phone number so we can contact you.  The two copies will go to the first two people to leave a comment.  Please allow 24 hours for AAA to contact you.