What is depression ?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel , how you think and how you act .
Depression is not a deadly disease but depression is villain in adults. One thing that everyone living in this world needs to understand is that tomorrow we too will have ripe leaves falling from the tree . A proverb " The green leaves are laughing when the ripe leaves fall, he does not understand that tomorrow his condition will be the same. Here adults play an important role in their going into depression. The causes of depression in elder adults are listed below.
Stressful Live Events in Elders
- Personal illness/hospitalization/activity limitation
- Death or illness of a family member or friend
- Financial difficulties
- Dwelling change
- Retirement
- Lack of supportive social network
Common Treatment for Depression are
- Psychotherapy
Through psychotherapy treatment a depressed person can change troubling emotions, thoughts and behavior.
- Medication for depression
Medication helps to balance the hormones which affects the mood, such as serotonin . selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors are antidepressant commonly prescribed to older adults
- Electroconvulsive therapy
If a person's illness has not improved with another treatment may go for with this treatment . In this treatment electrodes are placed a person head to enable a safe, mild electric current to pass through the brain.
- Repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation
RTMS uses magnets to activate brain. It targets only the specific region of the brain.
HOW TO COPE
Many experts suggest the following steps to help the depressed persons make an easier transition into the next stage of their lives.
- Stay active
- Strengthen social and family ties
- Find a new sense of purpose
- Fulfill your dreams
- Develop a schedule
