Types

Late-Life Depression Quiz

Older adults may have untreated depression because they may think it's a normal part of aging. Or they may fear being stigmatized by a diagnosis of depression.

1. Depression is a natural part of growing older.


2. One common symptom of depression is feeling sad for 2 weeks or more.


3. Long-term (chronic) illness can trigger depression.


4. Depression always has an obvious cause.


5. Illnesses such as Parkinson disease or cancer can trigger depression.


6. Treatments for depression include talk therapy (counseling) and antidepressant medicine.


7. People older than age 65 make up a large portion of suicides in the U.S.


8. Most insurance companies don't cover depression treatment.


9. If not treated, depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses worse.


Featured in

Author: Floria, Barbara

Online Medical Reviewer: Novick, Tara, BSN, MSN

Online Medical Reviewer: Trevino, Heather, BSN, RNC

Date Last Reviewed: 11/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

1-800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

1-800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

1-800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
Related Articles
Read article
Mental Health
Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is when you have repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worry constantly about when the next one might happen. Medicines and therapy can help.

Read article
Mental Health
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious medical illness. It can make close relationships hard to maintain, and it may cause the affected person and their loved ones great pain. But BPD can be treated, and the symptoms can be eased. If a loved one has signs of BPD, start by talking to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can offer guidance and support.

Read article
Mental Health
Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging

Depression is not a natural part of growing old. It's a health condition that should be treated aggressively. Read on to learn more.

Read article
Mental Health
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

Most people overeat now and then. Binge eating occurs when you often can't control how much you eat.