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Treat Depression in Elderly

Getting older is something we all dream of as children, but does growing up ever make us happy and contented? When we reach the age that we hoped for, we discover that with the freedom to make our own life choices, comes stress to pay the bills. And very soon, before we even realise, the days of adolescence fade away. Our hair start to grey, our bodies start getting weaker, and our brains are dominated with inhibitions of the inevitable.

Executing the activities of daily living also becomes difficult for them. Hence, depression in elderly is very common as they step into their senior years and unravel a journey from independence to dependence.

What are the most common mistakes done, while depression in older adults?

At such times, the support, love and care of their near and dear ones can help them transition more easily, gracefully and comfortably. To begin with, it’s extremely vital for the family members to realise the onset of depression in elderly and find the right solution to treat it. Be considerate of not making the following mistakes:

• Thinking that depression is just a part of aging and not paying ample attention to it
• Not intervening in your old parents’ isolated lives and not noticing their anxiety or distress
• Neglecting the physical complaints of the elderly around you as they can be an early sign of depression
• Being distant from your parents in their senior years for too long and not understanding their feelings

How to spot the signs and detect depression in elderly people?

Depression in elderly can be difficult to recognise, but not impossible. All you need to do is invest a little time and heart to see beyond the easily visible. According to the experts, following signs are an alarm for help:

• Feeling sad, despaired, hopeless and helpless
• Increasing body pains without a reason
• Not feeling like pursuing your hobbies
• Cutting down on your social circles
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Self-loathing and feeling of being a burden
• Sleep disorders – not being able to fall or stay asleep, and oversleeping
• Ignoring personal care and hygiene – forgetting medicines, skipping meals
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Decline in movement and speech
• Using alcohol or other drugs excessively
• Facing problems in remembering things
• Having thoughts of suicide; death fixation

How can Counselling and Therapy Help?

Sometimes, talking to your close ones doesn’t help. At such times, getting help from a professional counsellor can help you gain an outside perspective and extra support. These therapists and counsellors are adept at recognizing and treating depression in elderly.

You might wonder how someone can feel better with simple talking in front of a supportive person. But facts reveal that counselling and therapy can work wonders in effectively treating emotional and mental problems. Getting in touch with the right counsellor empowers the person struggling with depression to speak his heart out (sharing about issues that are weighing you down). To treat depression in elderly, psychological and emotional healing is very important, and the right kind of counselling can do exactly that for you.

In critical conditions, getting assistance of professional caregivers from organizations like Ambassadors Caregivers should be opted for. Their well-trained caregivers can help them overcome these emotional challenges and lead a poised life. Help bring about a positive change in the lives of your parents or related elderly people in their senior years. Choose counselling at the right time!