Hidden in Plain Sight, Depression in Older Adults (Infographic for IG)

Amara Shobe, Physician Assistant Student • October 20, 2025

Depression (or major depressive disorders), according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is defined as a condition that can cause severe symptoms that affect your thoughts, mood, and day to day activities for 2 or more weeks. It is important to note that depression is not limited to a particular age group, race, socioeconomic class, culture, educational background or gender.

Depression Stats and Facts:

Depression is the most common mental disorder. It affects roughly 8% (21 million) Americans per year!
Depression is often more common in women than men
Depression can lead to suicide!
Depression affects approximately 4% of older adults at or above 70 years of age.
Older adults will often experience health and life challenges that will put them at an increased risk for depression.
Many older adults do not seek help for their depression because they view it as a natural part of aging.
Depression can be caused by medications such as steroids, oral contraception, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, anti-seizure medications, and beta blockers.

Symptoms of Depression:

Depressed mood
Sleep Disturbances
Lack of Concentration
Little to no interest or pleasure in activities
Feeling of Hopelessness
Changes in appetite
Fatigue

“What Can the Community Do?"

Depression is a treatable condition just like diabetes or high blood pressure. Therefore, encouraging older adults to seek help and asking if they need support can go a long way. You can even offer to go with them to help ease the anxiety of speaking to a health care provider about their depressive mood, as depression can also carry stigma among various cultures and communities. Also, you can offer to engage in activities that they used to enjoy, and provide them with a shoulder to lean on and friends to rely on.

You are not Alone! Call the National Crisis Hotline: 988

Chief Preceptor of Clinical Practicum Program – Dr. Okah Anyokwu

Director of Clinical Practicum Program – Xavier Hicks

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In with the Calm, Out with the Worry (Infographic for IG)

By Amara Shobe, Physician Assistant Student • October 20, 2025

According to the CDC, yoga has been on the rise in the U.S. since 2017. It is especially popular among those who are white and between 18-44 years of age. However, it has been deemed beneficial across different races, ages, cultures, and ethnicities!

How Yoga Supports Mental Health: Evidence-Based Benefits

By Jetta Kaimachiande RN, BSN • October 13, 2025

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that links the body and mind to promote relaxation and exercise, (Wu et al., 2025). The popularity of yoga has expanded across the US over the past 20 years, and especially after COVID-19. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) in 2022, 16.9% of U.S. adults practiced yoga, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Though Yoga is deemed primarily as a form of exercise for some, yoga practice can also be used to maintain psychological well-being and as an intervention for psychological disorders, (Khalsa, 2013).

Coping with Sickle Cell Disease: Understanding the Mental Health Effects

By Amina Tarawaoly BSN, RN; PMHNP Student • October 13, 2025

Chronic illnesses impose significant challenges that extend beyond physical symptoms, often affecting mental and emotional well-being.

Breathing Techniques in Yoga for Anxiety and Stress Management

By Paule Constant, DNP, PMHNP-Student • October 7, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety and stress have become common companions for many. The constant demands of work, family, and societal expectations can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. Anxiety and stress are among the most prevalent mental health concerns globally, affecting millions of individuals across age groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), anxiety disorders affect more than 300 million people worldwide. While conventional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological interventions are effective, complementary practices like yoga have gained recognition as accessible and evidence-based strategies for stress regulation. While modern medicine offers many ways to manage stress, one of the most accessible and powerful tools lies in the ancient practice of yoga. Among yoga practices, breathing techniques (pranayama) stand out as powerful tools for modulating the autonomic nervous system, improving emotional regulation, and reducing physiological symptoms of stress.

Yoga for PTSD: Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Heal from Trauma

By Danielle I. Moore, Physician Assistant Student • October 7, 2025

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs in response to a traumatic event. In order to meet the criteria for PTSD, symptoms must occur in response to a traumatic event and persist for at least 1 month whilst also causing functional impairment.

A group of people are putting their hands together in a circle.