Depression is more than sadness; it is a mental health disorder that affects one's thoughts, mood and body. The word "depression" describes a person who feels empty, slowed down, apathetic and hopeless. Symptoms in the elderly may be trickier to diagnose because of social expectations that the elderly naturally slow down and lose interest in the world. This misconception interferes with exploring treatment options--many that do not involve medication--to help depressed seniors.
People therapy
Step 1
Determine the severity of the depression. If the person appears to be suicidal, do not leave him alone. Call 911 or bring him to a hospital emergency department yourself.
Step 2
Listen. Elderly people have losses including friends and loved ones, health, former roles and independence. Try to find ways to increase the person's social network with either volunteer work or home visitors. Some community programs have "grandparent" programs where seniors spend time with children who need attention. Feeling needed helps to decrease depression and loneliness.
Step 3
Help the person find a therapist who is a good match. Most people experiencing depression need at least short-term counseling. Assist the person to overcome financial and transportation barriers that may prevent receiving essential mental health services.
Physical Treatments
Step 1
Help the person develop an exercise program. Exercise is known to help decrease stress and anxiety and improve sleep and appetite. Exercise releases brain chemicals that make people happy. An exercise program may be as simple as sitting in a chair and moving arms and legs up and down. Videotapes are sold specifically for seniors to follow at home along with the leader. Assist the person in finding an exercise class for seniors, and then arrange transportation. Accompany the senior or find a local senior group that takes outdoor walks in good weather and "mall walks" in bad weather.
Step 2
Help the person maintain a good diet. Many seniors have difficulty getting to stores to purchase food and prepare meals. Arrange for a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer to deliver home meals. Poor nutritional habits can contribute to depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes people feel good. Encourage a diet filled foods that help with Seratonin production. These include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grain bread, chicken, green leafy vegetables, fish oils and nuts. Recommend a multi-vitamin because vitamin and mineral deficiency may also contribute to depression.
Step 3
Explore the use of herbs that may increase the availability of serotonin to the brain. St. John's Wart is an herb that has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate forms of depression. Other herbs that may be helpful include ginseng, licorice, peppermint and gingko.
Step 4
Suggest relaxation techniques that can decrease pain, relieve tension and stress and improve sleep difficulties--all of which may contribute to depression. A yoga or meditation class may improve mood while providing a social outlet. Explore acupressure, massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy as alternative treatments to improve physical and mental health.
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D.; 2004
- Herbal Medicine
- Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts
