Everyone feels sad sometimes. But when sadness or other symptoms of depression persist and interfere with your everyday life, you may have clinical depression.

"Recognizing depression in older people isn't always easy," says Joel E. Streim, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. "The depressed person or the person's family may think a change in mood or behavior is the person's natural response to illness or the loss of a loved one or is simply the way people behave as they age."

Look for the Signs
Because depression isn't a normal part of growing older, it's important to learn the signs of this condition. Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness or depressed mood (lasting two weeks or longer)
• Feeling slowed down or agitated
• Excessive worries
• Frequent crying
• Changes in appetite, weight or sleep patterns
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Pacing or fidgeting
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Suicidal thoughts

Other signs of depression include giving up regular social activities and neglecting personal appearance.

A Variety of Causes
Depression can often be triggered by the death of a loved one, a financial setback, deteriorating vision or the inability to live independently.

Chronic illnesses are common causes for depression, and some diseases — such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease — are commonly associated with the condition.

Where to Get Help
The first step in treatment is to get a medical checkup to see whether another medical condition or medication is causing the depression. Most people with depression improve by taking antidepressants and meeting regularly with a psychiatrist or therapist.

Are You At Risk?
Go online to see whether you or someone you love may be at risk for depression. Visit www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on "Better Health for Life," "Interactive Tools," "Risk Assessments" and "Depression Risk Assessment."