Health for All says
In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards and medical conditions, the life expectancy of the elderly has gradually increased. However, this has been followed by an increase in mental health problems among the elderly. Depression, as a common psychological disorder, also plagues many elderly people from time to time. So are older people prone to depression?Let's take a look at the truth about depression.
First, we need to understand what depression is. According to TCM theory, depression is a disease caused by poor mood. Poor mood will lead to stagnation of qi and organs, hinder the flow of qi and blood, and then affect the normal function of the heart. While from the perspective of modern medicine, depression is a mental illness that is mainly characterized by symptoms such as persistent low mood, lack of interest and happiness, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, etc.
In older people, they are more susceptible to depression due to factors such as declining physical functioning, social isolation, loss of a loved one or the death of a partner. In addition, the elderly have generally experienced years of fatigue and stress, and the body has shown certain symptoms of aging, which may lead to psychological discomfort in the elderly, thereby triggering depression.
Then, for the ** of depression, Chinese medicine has rich experience. According to TCM theory, depression is caused by factors such as stagnation of liver qi and lack of heart yang. Therefore, the main principle of depression in traditional Chinese medicine is to soothe the liver and relieve depression and nourish the heart and yang. For example, medicines such as Bupleurum and Qingpi can be used to relieve liver depression, and medicines such as angelica and yam can be used to nourish the heart and yang to achieve the purpose of balancing and harmonizing the body.
In addition, there are some ancient and modern prescriptions in Chinese medicine that can be used for depression. For example, Orange Red Xiaoyao Pill, which is an ancient prescription, is mainly composed of angelica, Xiaoyaosan and other medicines, which has the effect of soothing the liver, invigorating the blood, and nourishing the heart and yang;There is also Jiawei Xiaoyaosan, which adds herbs such as Coptis chinensis and Yujin on the basis of Tangerine Xiaoyao Pill, which has the effect of clearing heat and dissipating heat and detoxifying. These prescriptions have been widely used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine and have a certain effect on the alleviation of depression symptoms.
Of course, depression does not only depend on medication, psychological counseling is also a very important part. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that emotional regulation is very important for depression. Through various forms of psychological counseling, such as psychological counseling and psychological counseling, it can help the elderly relieve emotional pressure and adjust their mentality, so as to better cope with depression.
To sum up, the elderly are more likely to suffer from depression due to both physical and psychological factors. As a comprehensive medical system, TCM has rich experience and unique methods, which can provide effective depression programs for the elderly. Armed with this knowledge, we can better care for and take care of the mental health of the elderly, so that they can live happier and more fulfilling lives in their later years.
Health References:
1.Zhang Lili. Research progress on the prevention and treatment of depression in the elderly with traditional Chinese medicine[J].China Medical Herald, 2018(14): 117-118