Depression has long been known to cause negative outcomes for our seniors and many suffer in silence, never seeking the support and assistance they need. As caregivers we often identify depression in our residents; however, many families will deny it is an issue and refuse psychiatric evaluations. Sure, depression is a mental illness however it is one of the most treatable and manageable if addressed appropriately. Now research has shown that persistent depression symptoms raise cardiovascular disease risk. Take it seriously, depression can cause more than just a sad affect! Take the time to train your team on recognizing, assessing and seeking treatment if they suspect their resident is experiencing depression.