When looking at mental health, some of the most common disorders are those that deal with depression. Most people think of teenagers when thinking about depression. However, your elderly loved one could have depression, as well.
There are different things that affect the elderly that often lead to depression. These things may include the loss of a loved one, retiring, financial issues, feeling alone, and many other things, too.
If your elderly loved one is depressed, you may need to help them look into depression treatments. You can learn more about these treatments here today. Keep in mind that you should talk to your elderly loved one’s doctor before they start any depression treatments.
Going to Talk Therapy
One of the main treatments for depression is talk therapy. This is where your elderly loved one will meet up with a therapist. They will talk about the things that are bothering them. They will also talk about things they enjoy and the things that are going good in their life, as well. In order to effectively overcome depression, the patient must focus on the positive and learn how to cope with the negative. In the talk therapy sessions that you or the homecare providers take your loved one to, they can do both of these things.
Getting Medication
Sometimes, there are medications prescribed for depression. Usually, these will only be prescribed for moderate to severe depression. The medications are usually prescribed in combination with a therapy recommendation, as well. However, your elderly loved one should not take any medications for their depression unless they are prescribed by their doctor. The doctor can determine if medications would be a good idea for your elderly loved one. They will also determine what type of medications should be given.
Art and Pet Therapy
There are other types of therapy, besides talk therapy, that are often helpful with overcoming depression, as well. One of the types that may benefit your elderly loved one is called art therapy. This is where your elderly loved one gets the chance to express themselves through art. This type of therapy can stimulate cognitive functions, too. Pet therapy is another option that might help your elderly loved one. With this type of therapy, your elderly loved one will have regular contact with an animal, usually a dog or a cat, to help reduce the symptoms of their depression.
These are some of the depression treatments that your elderly loved one might need. If you suspect that your elderly loved one is depressed, be sure you talk to them about it. You or the homecare provider can also take them to the doctor or therapist to get the help they need.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html