kUNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GERIATRIC COUNSELING

What is depression?   

Depression is a mood disorder presented by feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and loss of interest in all activities. It impairs the ability to concentrate, makes it difficult to cope with everyday tasks and often leads to social isolation.   

 Depression also produces constant fatigue, changes in appetite, and disruptive sleep patterns, with either an increase or decrease in both.  

 Depression is a mental health condition and living with depression can be challenging for the person affected. Only a licensed psychiatrist can conduct diagnostic psychological evaluations.  

 Proper treatment can manage depression to improve well-being and quality of life. An integrated form of treatment includes medication, counselling, and lifestyle management. And patients with depression need exceptional care at home. Hence, we provide the best home care services in Hyderabad.  

Symptoms of Depression in Older People   

At least one in twenty older adults has a major depressive disorder, and two to three times that number have underlying depressive symptoms. Sometimes referred to as geriatric syndromes, these problems affect older adults’ health and quality of life. Although they tend to occur in frail people, they affect countless people in their 60s and 70s.   

 Depression in older people is profoundly distressing for the affected person and their family and friends. Still, it is also associated with an increased risk of dementia, poorer daily functioning, increased exposure to healthcare professionals, and suicide. We provide the best medical emergency care in Hyderabad in emergencies.  

  Symptoms of depression in older people include:   

•  Loss of interest in activities   
• General depression   
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness   
• Noticeable decrease or agitation in movements   
• Noticeable change in appetite, weight, or sleep   

• Thoughts of death or suicide   
• Fatigue and poor concentration  

Causes of Depression in Older Adults   

Age:   

Discrimination based on a person’s age can affect them in many ways. Age discrimination is often cited in employment situations and can lead to forced retirement and difficulties finding a job or promotion. Ageism develops such conditions in a person and involves prejudice against people based on their age.   

 Abuse:   

Emotional or physical abuse can make a person more prone to depression later in life.   

 Conflict:   

Depression in someone biologically vulnerable can result from personal conflicts or arguments with family or friends.   

Certain medications:   

Some medications, such as antivirals, acne, corticosteroids, etc., can increase the risk of depression. When opting for the best homecare services in Hyderabad, our caretakers or home attendants help manage medication and prevent side effects.  

  Death of a Loved One:   

Agony after the loss or death of a loved one increases the condition of depression.   

 Gender:   

Women go through hormonal changes at various stages in their lives, which play a crucial role in the growth of depression in women. Research also shows that these hormonal changes make women twice as likely to become depressed as men.  

Genetics:   

Genetics can significantly affect how likely you are to become depressed. But it does not always have to be like this. A person can also have depression or anxiety even if no one in their family has it, suggesting a slight possibility of a genetic link to depression.   

 Serious Events:   

Depression is most commonly due to stressful life events, such as B. Loss of a partner or close family or friends, loss of a job or income, moving to a new place, retirement, and divorce.  

Personal problems:   

Issues such as social isolation due to mental illness and disorders or being excluded from the family help to the risk of developing clinical depression.   

 Serious Illness:   

Depression also occurs because of severe or chronic illness, delayed recovery, and trauma.   

 Some older people may find it challenging to cope with the transition to old age, to deal with new deficiencies or illnesses, or not to participate in social activities because of immobility and balance problems. Facing mortality can also be challenging for some people, especially when a friend, family member, or spouse dies. In such situations, they may begin to experience depression or loneliness.  

Why is senior counseling important?  

Today, most older adults consider counselling to be a necessary form of treatment. Many older people prefer to go to counselling to be treated for mental health problems that are related to age and diseases and affect their well-being.   

 Counselling can help older people with ageing manage their emotions by addressing depression caused by illness, loneliness, the death of a spouse or family member, isolation, dependency, and anxiety. Geriatric counsellors recognize the disease and offer the appropriate advice to help them develop positive mental health and well-being, restoring their confidence and independence.  

In addition to the patients, the counsellors also help relatives and care for relatives of elderly parents to help them deal with these problems.  

 Health Promotion for the Elderly   

Home care services for the elderly offer many effective treatment options, including medical, psychological, and social therapies. It is because depression is harder to recognize, and symptoms are mistakenly attributed to physical illness or dementia.   

 A health care services can help older adults adjust to these changes and differentiate them from serious health problems such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.  

 Promoting active and healthy ageing can improve the mental health of older adults. Providing professional aged care services, security, and social support, maintaining good physical and mental health, and participating in community programs can help meet the ageing population’s needs. Our home care services provide secure medical emergency services in Hyderabad with assured benefits.  

             Seeing life’s difficulties, now is the time to sit back and relax. Our best homecare services in Hyderabad offer Geriatric care programs. They feature professional counsellors and physical therapists who can help you overcome mental health issues and regain mental stability and well-being.