Tips To Help An Elderly Person With Depression

Understanding them and feeling supported, but without making them feel pressured by us is essential to be able to help them. These are some of the most important tips that you should keep in mind when treating with depression for an elderly person:

Find Out What Is Happening To Them

We all go through different emotional moments in our lives, but if you think it is not a one-off, observe carefully. Depression in older people manifests itself in many different ways and it must be diagnosed by a doctor; but if you detect some changes, help them.

Not having an appetite, or eating a lot, not enjoying activities that used to motivate them, not wanting to get out of bed or being more irritable than usual, can be some of the indicators.

Be There For Them, Even If You Don’t Say Anything

Although it may not seem like it at times, sick people value and greatly need the support of their loved ones. Being by their side, even in silence, and refraining from passing judgment on their situation, helps them feel understood and prevents them from experiencing loneliness that can affect them deeply.

Suggest That They Need Professional Help

For a depressed person, decision-making becomes complicated and this can prevent their situation from improving. Show them your support in seeking professional help that will allow them to learn more about what is happening to them and how to reverse it.

They Are Not Alone

A person with depression can feel alone and misunderstood at many times. Reaching out to them and showing them that we are by their side will make them see that they are not going to live this situation alone, which will facilitate their recovery.

Thus, carrying photos of our close circle in our wallet can help us relieve the pain caused by depression or other pathologies.

Explain That Depression Is An Illness

Sometimes the patient does not see depression as an illness, but as a sign of weakness, something of which they are guilty. Explain to them that it is an illness and as such it has treatment and with it, their condition will improve.

Treat Insomnia

Older adults experience sleep problems, both in quantity and quality. And in addition to sleeping fewer hours, it is usually lighter. A lack of rest that can be aggravated by depression.

Maintaining the same bedtimes, as well as proper sleep hygiene (taking care of lighting, noise, screens, resting place, etc.), will allow us to rest more and better.

Most Common Mistakes

Although our intention is often to help an elderly person with depression, the truth is that, due to a lack of understanding or knowledge, we do or say things that are counterproductive for the person suffering from it.

Some of the most common mistakes are:

Misunderstanding: Lack of knowledge about the disease often causes us to trivialize the disorder without meaning to. This can make the person suffering from depression feel misunderstood and it will be more difficult to help them.

Irritability: Dealing with an elderly person with depression can often make us feel frustrated and angry, blaming the patient for their situation. This only increases their feeling of guilt.

Pressure: Although it is advisable to motivate the patient to carry out tasks to make them feel better, we should avoid forcing them. Trying to make them see the benefits that some activity can have for them or encouraging them in some way is the correct way to get a favorable response.

Chronicity: As much as our actions, we must take care of our speech. We must help him or her see that it is temporary and that we will help him or her overcome it.

Overprotection: Carrying out tasks that the patient refuses to do or rewarding him or her for small efforts can be counterproductive. The patient needs to feel useful and overprotecting him or her can have the opposite effect.

In other words, depression is an illness, which, in addition to proper treatment, needs the assistance of the people we know. But it is also necessary when caring for an elderly person suffering from depression to look after ourselves not to cease our work.

If you want to get therapy for depression and any other treatment, contact “Inner Healing Utah”. We will assist you with best treatment option,