I had an impression that an old man does not feel depression as he has no more worries related ti job as well as family being retired and settled all domestic problems like children education and marriage etc. But now a research says that old age brings more depression. The reasons are weak physical condition and sickness. It appears that old people need more care and health facilities.
There are many reasons for depression. It's not the old people alone who suffer from Depression. Youngsters too are becoming victims of depression.The present Fast life is responsible for this malady. Depression has many side effects. Untreated depression may lead to Coronary heart disease.
There are many natural ways to treat depression. Foods high in Omega3 fatty acids ( found in fish ). If you are pure vegetarian go for such food rich in Green vegetables, fruits and pulses.
With these food habits combined with physical exercise or yoga will guarantee a life free from depression.
What I feel depression has nothing to with age and if you feel people in elderly age have no worries to face, I feel that is not entirely true. Problems are ones personal matter which could happen in any age. But everything depends on how one handles them. I also feel a careful handling of situation can keep one away from depression and help enjoy the life normally.
Acute Stress, lack of certain vitamins especially vitamin B 12, leading a lonely life, leading an idle life, long term medical problems, rejection by children, are some of the reasons which can bring depression in old age. These days good psychological advice and medicines can help overcome depression.
suni51 wrote:What I feel depression has nothing to with age and if you feel people in elderly age have no worries to face, I feel that is not entirely true. Problems are ones personal matter which could happen in any age. But everything depends on how one handles them. I also feel a careful handling of situation can keep one away from depression and help enjoy the life normally.
yes depression has nothing with age, we can see a person of 90 years have not problem of depression but a 25 young have it. But some what it is also true at present when join family system is removing than loneliness may be cause of depression for older.
In old age depression strikes especially because many of them have no one around them to talk to and no one to understand them. Another point is when elderly people are not at all ready to adjust with the situation and also with the younger generation then it leads them to depression. Usually, younger generation is blamed for not giving time and they live their life according to their choice but I feel that's an injustice made to the young ones. Every generation needs to understand each other. Expecting the young ones to sacrifice everything then it is asking for too much. Depression caused by ailment is different but caused due to lack of understanding and ego hassle is very problematic to deal with.
Depression is a state of mind that affects all people t some time or the other regardless of age ! We all feel depressed at times but this is also a temporary feeling that goes away with time and changed circumstances. There are some older people who feel depressed because of reduced physical strength and increased ailments especially when they have led an active life before. It again depends on their own ability to tackle it and not become negative.This is where group activities help.
Sometime back I visited an old age home run by a Christian organisation in Bangalore and spent a lot of time , interacting with the people there. Some were single and three were a few couples too. They all seemed very happy and contented living there although they had many personal problems, which in fact had brought them there .The reason was being together in a group and making friends and sharing their feelings with each other and taking part in group activities.They felt useful being there since they all voluntarily took up some activities on a rota basis. The whole place looked clean, well kept and well looked after !
There are several reasons that trigger depression. What i observed was there are people who who think about the past as well as their future. . Living in the present is the best bet to avoid depression. Indulging in an activity will divert your attention. And this is the best remedy for depression.
In fact, I am a member of an old age home run by my brother in law in the city where we visit often. Most of the inmates are elderly people and most of them from good families as the home is on contributory system. Some of them are couples and some others live alone. The fact that some of them stay calm and with no worries despite the facts they have been grossly neglected by their families . So it all depends on ones mental makeup which may differ from person to person.
Very true. It is one's way of thinking and how the life's is seen makes a difference. During old age, generally grown up children leave the home in search of livelihood. And girls get married. This separation from their kin for the parents leads to depression in the old age, even though they have enough money. But I have seen many old people recover fast thinking that associations and separations are the part of life. This way of viewing the life in its true colors will make a big difference.
Depression is commonly seen among the aged and is equally common in the younger generation. Reasons can be anything from personal loss to unfulfilled desires to serious illness. It can be related to season called SAD (seasonal affective disorder ) or as simple as scoring less marks in exams for students. It happens when one is unable to handle the harsh realities of life. Support from family and friends play a big role in getting over difficult situations. It is a state of mind where one is unable to see anything positive in their life.Chronic depression should be handled delicately and help from professionals should be taken. It is important to remember that those who are going through it whether old or young are highly vulnerable and and need help. Doctors normally prescribe anti-depressants but nothing works if there is no support system.
Yes genetics play a vital role in depression. I know a few people who will plunge themselves in to depression just for a small reason. And they will be brooding over the situation for days on throwing themselves further and further in to depression. This type mental attitude will lead to several ailments.
Also the symptoms of depression cause an chemical; imbalance in the brain. This can be corrected by doctors by giving medicines. It has to be supported by counselling for curing completely. However the treatment periods are usually long and costly. But there is no way out. family support to elderly can reduce chances of depression.
The side effects are usually temporary. Please do not say the doctor should be contacted last as the cases of depression can become severe if left unattended. Depressions which can be cured by Pranayama are not actually depressions of the kind being discussed here. Yoga is good for toning the body but it is not a miracle for every wrong the body faces.
I'm doing Pranayama since decades. Neither depression nor negative thought touched me. See this link
http://eyogaguru.com/cure-depression-stress-and-anxiety-by-pranayama/
Yoga is not the end all to all the problems in life, like all other fields it has its own limitations. An active and fit person may have many other problems other than health and to expect Yoga to cure it is stupidity ! Some of the villagers and peasants who commit suicide here are physically fit but poor, this is enough to cause depression, so how does yoga help them? they need financial assistance more than anything else !
@gkajmani