Geriatric Depression
... the aging process, and really did not have a positive approach about her ever feeling better. After much talking I finally convinced my grandmother to see another doctor, one who specialized in the elderly. This was our first encounter with a geriatric physician. The first thing the doctor did was to talk to my grandmother about what depression is. He convinces her that depression is not a normal part of the aging process. Our youth-oriented culture, on the other hand has led many people, doctors included, to believe that the elderly population are useless, worthless, and often depressed. Depression is more than just feeling “down in the dumps.” Feeling sad when we lose someone we love is normal-even if the feeling last for weeks and sometimes months. Feeling sad or down all the time for extended periods is not normal. There are many psychological factors that causes aging in the elderly. There may be a previous history of depression in the person. There may be unresolved experiences from childhood or later life that my surface when there is life changes the elderly goes through. The person, especially as they see their friends and family members die may fear their own death. Frustration plays a huge role in the elderly. They may have a difficult time adjusting to stressful or changing conditions. Many elderly create new problems with substance abuse trying to feel better or just to forget. There are also environmental factors that senior’s face that may cause depression. Loneliness and isolation are two of the major issue seniors face. A person that has been married for many years, suddenly find themselves alone, and they do not know how to cope. In my grandmother’s case, my grandfather did all of the driving; suddenly my grandmother had to make a choice, start driving or rely on someone to take her where she needed to go. We also learned there are other factors that cause the elderly to become depressed. Many physical factors could cause a person to become depressed. The one that I really had not thought of is pain. There are many elderly people who suffer from arthritis, which causes a great deal of pain. Chronic or severe pain leads to depression that many seniors and physicians leave untreated. Treating depression in the elderly is very important. First and foremost, proper treatment can prevent suicide. Deteriorating health, a sense of isolation and hopelessness and difficulty adjusting to n...