Depression in the Elderly
Today's elderly have lived through depression, war, and the ups and downs of marriage and family life. They have experienced many losses and tragedies, and have often been traumatized. Grief work, family of origin work and trauma work are just as productive with the elderly clients as with younger ones. Often, they are highly motivated to get better because they know other people are worried about them and they don't want to be a burden. With counselling, occasionally combined with medication, depressed seniors improve remarkably well.
Depression in the elderly often centers around losses-loss of spouse, friends, health and status, as well as a perceived loss of usefulness and meaning in their lives. When hope, encouragement and grief counselling are combined with cognitive and behavioral therapy they can rebuild their lives.
Behavioral strategies to fight depression:
* Accomplish a ten-minute task each day.
* Write about feelings.
* Call a friend.
* Think about nice things you can do for others.
* Walk 10 to 20 minutes a day.
* Learn relaxation techniques.
* Get a pet or grow plants.
* Find a hobby or a special interest.
* Take an interest in the community.
* Develop support systems in your family, church, friends and community.
* Do volunteer work.
* Join a seniors' group and participate in the activities.
* Put some fun in your life.
* Do one nice thing for someone else each day.
* Do one nice thing for yourself each day.
In therapy, the elderly can learn how to process their feelings and how to change their emotions so they feel better and are more motivated to keep active. Seniors can be encouraged to find meaning in their lives by praying for others, dictating or writing family history and reconnecting with others.
Older people have coped with life for many decades, so part of the therapeutic process involves discovering their strengths and putting them back in touch with the coping skills that have worked for them in the past. A therapist can help seniors have a more positive attitude by reframing their life and worth.
