Depression is a disturbing illness that can greatly affect an individual’s normal living. In fact , elderly depression should be directly given attention since this disorder can result to suicide according to studies made by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Suicide Rates and Depression
Studies made by Conwell and Brent indicate that there is a correlation between depression and high suicide rates among old people. Apparently, adults fall into depression more likely than younger people. In contrast to the popular belief, depression among the elderly is not quite normal especially when these people have experienced great accomplishments and have enjoyed family and a career during their younger years.
Aging does not mean limited activities
As people age, their physical functioning may become limited because of high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatism, and other diseases that affect the body. This should not automatically lead to depression as there are many treatments and therapies available. In fact, doctors should advise the elderly patients to enjoy a normal lifestyle since they are now more free to pursue hobbies since their children are already adults.
Seek Medical help if depression is persistent
When an elderly is feeling down than normal, it is recommended to seek medical help. Relatives of old people should ask help from a mental health expert if these signs of depression manifest such as social withdrawal, changes in eating/sleeping habits, chronic bouts of sadness and thoughts about death or dying. Depression can exacerbate an illness experienced by older people and this can delay recovery.
Available Depression Treatments
But despite all these issues connected to depresions among elderly, there are many available treatment options in store. One of the options is prescribing anti-depressant medications which can be done by a psychiatrist once assessment has been made on the patient. Due to the sensitive health condition of the elderly, newer medicines that belong to the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are being prescribed by doctors since these can be tolerated well by the elderly. SSRIs can improve the chemical imbalance in the brain making the patient’s mood enhanced.
Psychotherapy is another recommended treatment option for the elderly. In this treatment method, the elderly can share their thoughts about death and dying to a psychiatrist who are well-trained to deal with such concerns objectively. This session is very therapeutic since old people also need someone to talk with.
The important thing here is to combine prescribed drugs and psychotherapy by mental health professionals so to produce an effective result for older people against depression.
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