Health for All says
In recent years, with the gradual increase in the proportion of the elderly population, geriatric depression has gradually become a social problem that has attracted much attention. Geriatric depression refers to a psychological disorder that is prevalent in the elderly population, and its main characteristics are low mood, decreased interest, depression of will, and impaired thinking and behavioral functioning. So, what is depression in old age?What are the manifestations of depression in old age?Next, we will combine the theories of traditional Chinese medicine and ancient and modern prescriptions to explain them in detail.
The development of depression in old age is associated with a variety of factors, including physiological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, geriatric depression is classified as a psychosomatic disease, which is related to pathogenesis such as liver qi stagnation and heart-kidney disconnection. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that if the liver qi is stagnant and the heart and kidney are not connected, it will lead to restlessness and cause depressive symptoms. In addition, with the increase of age, the essence of the elderly declines, which will further aggravate the occurrence of senile depression.
Depression in old age can manifest in a variety of forms, and common symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, excessive anxiety, insomnia or sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite. Older patients often feel very tired, lose interest in life, and even lose basic self-care skills. They feel unable to shake off negative emotions and are often depressed and lose hope for the future. These symptoms bring great distress to the physical and mental health of the elderly, and also have a negative impact on the family and society.
For geriatric depression, TCM has proposed a series of methods, including medication and psychology. In terms of medicines, Chinese medicine often uses tranquilizing drugs, such as ancient prescriptions such as Xiaoyao Pill, which are reasonably compatible, which can soothe emotions and calm the mind. In addition, TCM also focuses on helping the elderly alleviate their symptoms of depression by adjusting their diet, maintaining proper exercise, and personal psychological regulation.
In addition to traditional Chinese medicine methods, the elderly can also alleviate depression through some psychological methods. For example, psychological counseling, cognitive behavior**, etc. can help the elderly adjust their negative thinking patterns, cultivate a positive attitude towards life, and improve psychological resistance. In addition, communication with family, relatives and friends is also an important way to alleviate depression in the elderly, and care and companionship can bring warmth and comfort to the elderly.
When it comes to preventing depression in old age, we can start with our daily lives. Maintaining good Xi habits, properly participating in social activities, communicating with others, and maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude can all help prevent the occurrence of depression in old age. In addition, a reasonable diet and regular exercise are also important means to prevent depression in the elderly.
In conclusion, geriatric depression is a common and serious psychological disorder that poses a great threat to the physical and mental health of the elderly. Traditional Chinese medicine theories and ancient and modern prescriptions provide us with effective methods for depression in old age, including medication and psychology. In addition, we can also start from daily life, maintain good living Xi, maintain positive communication with others, and prevent the occurrence of depression in old age. We hope that through our efforts, more elderly people can live a healthy and happy life.
Health References:
1.Chen Xiaoguang, Wang Tianlei. Current situation and prospects of depression in the elderly in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern Distance Education of Chinese Medicine, 2018, 16(8): 74-76