Age
by Dr. Gary S. Sy
OLDER people may suffer a wide range of psychiatric difficulties in late life; those with concurrent physical illness are particularly vulnerable. Although these conditions tend to be underdetected and under- treated, their outcome with appropriate management is often excellent.
For most of us, the holidays are a time to gather together, visit with loved ones, celebrate, reflect on the past and plan for the future. For some persons, however, especially older family members and friends, the holidays can be a difficult time, the absence of parents, siblings, and friends who have died, and the distance of loved ones who have moved away. Traditional reunions and rituals that were observed in the past may not be possible and in their absence, the holiday season may seem devoid of meaning.
It is normal to feel subdued, reflective and even “blue” in the face of these losses. But family members or friends may notice that a loved one is experiencing the “blues” for a long time and that what they may have thought was a simple sadness is actually a serious case of depression.
The most important thing to remember about depression is that it is not a natural part of aging. Everyone feels sad or “blue” sometimes – this is natural part of life and the stress associated with holidays may stir feelings of loss or separation. However, a person who is “blue” can, in most cases, continue to carry on with regular activities. Such feelings are generally transient and the person eventually return to normal mood state. However, a clinically depressed person suffers from symptoms that interfere with his or her ability to function in every day life. These symptoms include much more than feeling “blue” or sad. When clinically depressed, the affected older person may lose the will to live. These persons begin to question the value of life; they feel that life is no longer worth living. There may be suicidal thoughts. There are often feelings of diminished self-esteem or excessive feelings of guilt.
Appetite and sleep may suffer while lethargy sets in. The person shows little interest in their own welfare and shows little interest in doing things that in the past brought them pleasure.
Some major factors contributing to holiday blues or depression in the elderly are:
* Financial limitations.
* Loss of independence.
* Being alone or separated from loved ones.
* Failing eyesight (lessening of the ability to write or read holiday correspondence).
* Medical illnesses.
* Loss of mobility and/or the inability to get to religious services.
Recognizing depression in the elderly is not always easy. It is often difficult for a depressed older person to describe how he or she is feeling. Unfortunately, a person suffering from depression cannot just “get over it”. Depression is a medical illness that should be diagnosed and treated by trained professionals. If left untreated, depression may last months or even years. Depression can lead to disability, aggravate symptoms of other illnesses, lead to premature death, and may result to suicide.
Warning signs of depression
* Persistent sadness
* Withdrawal from regular social activities
* Slowed thinking response
* Lack of energy or interest in things that were once enjoyable
* Excessive worry about finances or health
* Frequent tearfulness
* Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
* Weight changes
* Changes in sleep pattern
* Inability to concentrate
* Staring at nothing for prolonged periods of time.
Helping someone who is “blue” or depressed.
Sometimes the hardest part in helping someone who is depressed or blue is finding an approach that doesn’t contribute to him or her feeling defensive, sad, or helpless. If you are at a loss for words, you may want to consider some of the following ways to begin:
* Discuss your own varied feelings or a time in your life when you were depressed or blue. Knowing that you understand may give them the means to talk about their feelings.
* Acknowledge that the holidays can be difficult. Many people don’t want to admit that life is not always as cheerful as portrayed in the silver screen.
* Once you have gotten past the initial awkwardness, you may be surprised to learn that your loved one will talk to you. At that point, it is up to you to listen and offer support.
* Offer specific suggestions for help and be willing to assist in implementing them. You may suggest that your loved one visit the family doctor or you may want to be involved in helping them select a doctor if they don’t have one in mind.
* It may take more than one conversation and it may take more than one day or one week to get your loved one to agree to get help. Be persistent.
* Part of helping is letting them know that depression is treatable, that their lives can be better and that depression is not an inevitable part of growing old.
Recommendations to fight depression:
* Eat a diet that includes plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, with soybeans and soy products.
* High fiber diet. Try oat bran for breakfast and snacks.
* Avoid foods high in saturated fats – the consumption of meat or fried foods such as hamburgers and French fries, leads to sluggishness, slow thinking, and fatigue. They interfere with blood flow causing the arteries and small blood vessels to become sticky and tend to clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.
* Avoid all forms of sugar.
* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
* Keep your mind active, and get plenty of rest and regular exercises.
* Avoid stressful situations.
* Learn to recognize and then to “re-route” negative thinking patterns.
* Exposure to the sun and bright light seem to regulate hormonal imbalances that could affect the brain leading to depressions.
Supplements with scientific support to help ease the “blue” or mild to moderate depression are the following:
* Folate: Low levels are commonly associated with increased incidence of depression. Take 800 mcg daily.
* Vitamin B complex – necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system.
* Vitamin C 2,000 mg up to 5,000 mg daily can aid in preventing depression.
* Calcium 1,500 mg / daily and Magnesium 750 mg / daily.
* St. John’s Wort is useful in treating emotional disorder. Take 300 mg three times per day.
* Omega 3 Fatty Acid 500 mg (Maxi Cardio) take 1 capsule 2x a day after meal.
* Lemon balm is good for stomach and digestive organs during stressful situations. Also known as Melissa officinalis, have also been found to produce a sedative effect that would promote better sleep.
* Ginkgo biloba 40 to 80 mg 3 times daily.
* Kava kava helps induce calm and relieve depression.
Source: Manila Bulletin