Elderly Depression - How to Deal With Depression in Older People

By Marie M. Clarke


You probably know the physical benefits associated with exercising: weight loss and minimized risk of weight related health disorder such as diabetes. However the benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical body, for the mind and body are intimately connected and mutually influential; neither works without impacting the other. When you are sad and angry it can affect your body. When you have low blood sugar it can affect your mood.

A younger person might be prescribed antidepressants. An older person is probably taking medications for other conditions and may be unable to take an antidepressant. There is also some evidence that certain types of this medication aren't as effective for seniors.Instead, counseling or group therapy may be suggested. Increasing social interaction can be a good means of countering the isolation some elders feel.Exercise is another area that could help ease depression. As an added benefit, exercise can also be beneficial for cognitive function. Elders dealing with cognitive decline are likely to feel depression.

While supplements may not be a good idea for an elder, due to drug/herb interactions, aromatherapy could be useful. The essential oils of chamomile and lavender are considered particularly useful. If the elder needs mental stimulation, oil of peppermint is another good product. On the oil of peppermint, be sure to keep children under the age of two away from this oil. Just the scent can cause serious breathing problems.Depression can be beaten, but only if it's recognized. Look for symptoms and start treatment as soon as possible for the best results.Most people will admit that their acne problem is making them depressed, however small that depression is. Yes, most people are suffering from chronic stress when they have acne sitting all day on their face. It's a natural reaction. You cannot be blamed for your depression because of acne, and it is certainly right for you to experience stress because of acne.

Find a symbol of comfort and guidance. Create a symbol that will bring back loving memories of the person who died and/or of your Higher Power who is with you at all times, and will help you through your great loss. Keep the symbol in a place where you will see it often and use it as a cue to think of loving memories--and to accept the new conditions of life.Are deep seated negative beliefs (I can't go on alone, I'm being punished, I'm never going to feel better, I'm worthless, etc.) adding to your depression? Regain your power. Take it back from those beliefs that say you are less and not more. Believe you can get well. Create opposing affirmations and keep repeating them throughout the day.

Start learning to tolerate uncertainty. This can be accomplished by turning toward your spiritual and symbolic beliefs. You will increase your options by letting your spiritual beliefs guide you and strengthen your faith that you will get through this hurtful loss. Know what you can and cannot control. You can control how you deal with major changes; you cannot control what others say and do or what has already happened.

Let possibility educate you out of depression. Here is where your imagination can help in a very positive way. Are you open to exploring the numerous choices there are for dealing with loss? Begin to learn about them from others, support groups, readings, and the experts. By creating options for dealing with fear, anger, guilt, and negative thoughts, you can change your view of what lies ahead.

Second, if you know someone the depressed man knows and respects, such as his father, pastor or best friend, suggest that he talk to that person. Or, you may enlist the help of a family member or close friend who has his ear.Third, try to get him to see his doctor (or yours), and encourage him to talk to his doctor about his depressed feelings (maybe he needs to go for other reasons, too). The physician can make a referral for counseling or prescribe helpful anti-depressant medication, if needed.Fourth, sometimes we men need a little prodding (and pampering). Be persistent and don't give up, as long as you proceed in a non-threatening manner. Remember, you want the man to view your efforts to help him as a sign of your deep-felt concern, rather than an attempt to nag or harass him. He won't end up feeling pressured by you if you always state your concern in non-demanding ways.The way you say something is as important as what you say. Some sensitive men are hard to approach, but they tend to respond favorably when you talk to them in a direct, caring and gentle manner. Avoid allowing your body language or tone of voice to express anger or contempt.Consider the impact depression can have on relationships, especially intimate ones. A man's marriage can suffer because of his depression, and he may not realize what's wrong. His wife will feel the impact, as well; so, his biggest support system may be compromised, which only compounds the problem.

All of us must find out how to deal with depression. This will help in the swift recovery of the person tormented by depression whether it is you or somebody that is valuable to you. As soon as you figure out that the person in suffering from depression, you can help them get the available treatments in the market. These will also help you and educate you on how to deal with depression. Here are some ways you can help a person suffering from depression.Foster compassionate relationships. Love and support from the patients social circle is important in curing depression. Seclusion is one of the most noticeable signs of depression, when seclusion takes place the link and interaction with the social network ends. Steady contact and activities are imperative in helping a person recuperate from depression. It helps deflect the persons attention and thoughts away from constructiveness.

Do not abandon yourself. Take care of yourself by doing the things that you take pleasure in. Help yourself and do not just depend on others in helping you pull through from depression. The will to get out of that state is very critical. This comprises not just the mental but the physical and emotional facets as well. Allot appropriate hours for sleep, watch your diet by eating the right foods and treat yourself often.Engage in habitual exercise. Exercise generates endorphins. Endorphins are chemical matters that are being produced by the pituitary gland when a person needs to stop pain. These chemical substances are believed to be tied to production of hormones that makes people happy and in control with their sense of being.

If you have been in a very long-term relationship you feel as if you have a significant gap in your life after you break up. It's that empty feeling that can help to fuel depression, but it's important that you be proactive if you're to cut short an extended period of healing. Can you get involved in other pastimes, or interact with different friends or other acquaintances who may not directly remind you of your ex? Maybe it's time for you to take up another hobby or pastime, but any way you look at it, it's important that you try and occupy your time as much as possible.Don't beat yourself up over whatever has happened. If your relationship truly is over, then you should try and part company on good terms and there may well be time for you to foster a good friendship with your ex in the future. There again, after a period of reflection both of you might believe that there is something to be salvaged here and you might find that you are both stronger as a consequence of this traumatic period of your life.Depression can appear to be all-consuming and no matter what you try and do you might not think that you can shake it. Always remember that time heals everything, including depression and the most important thing that you can do is to occupy your time as best you can with positive and nurturing experiences. Remember that everything is fixable and that if you maintain as positive an outlook as you can, then strength will carry you through this.




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