As they age, the physical and psychological state of the elderly also changes. Among them, geriatric depression is one of the more common mental health problems. There are many kinds of symptoms and manifestations of depression in old age, and the following is a detailed introduction for you.
Depressed moodThe most common symptom of depression in old age is persistent low mood. Older people may experience feelings of frustration, helplessness, hopelessness, boredom, and boredom, which may persist for weeks, months, or even years. Older people often feel like they're sinking into a quagmire and can't climb up again. During the period of depression, emotions such as feeling anger, irritability, anxiety, and irritability may also appear.
Sleep disturbancesOlder people also have significant problems with sleep. They may wake up early, such as in the early hours of the morning, and then have difficulty falling back asleep. You may also have difficulty falling asleep, tossing and turning for long periods of time, and not being able to fall asleep well even if you eventually fall asleep. In addition, older people may also experience daytime sleepiness and afternoon drowsiness.
Changes in appetiteWhen the elderly are depressed, it is difficult to feel the presence of appetite. This condition can lead to loss of appetite, eating is no longer fun and beautiful, and they do not want to eat for a long time or have no appetite at all. Conversely, there may be an increase in appetite and a preference for high-fat, high-sugar snacks, and there may be too many sweets.
Reduced social activityWhen older people are depressed, they may also experience a decrease in social activities, such as staying at home for long periods of time without leaving the house, and gradually reducing their social circle. They may lose interest in things they originally enjoyed, or even in life. It can also become extremely difficult to type or reply to messages, often with difficulty concentrating, lack of self-confidence, and falling into negative emotions.
Physical symptomsDepression in old age may also cause some physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, etc. These symptoms are usually caused by persistent depressed moods, physical discomfort that occurs when the focus is subconsciously shifted.
Low self-esteemAmong the depressive symptoms of the elderly, low self-esteem is also one of the more common ones. They may lose confidence in their abilities, image, and future, feeling that they are worthless and that there is no point in stopping their efforts. The appearance of inferiority complex will promote the depression of the elderly, reduce the enthusiasm and enthusiasm for life, aggravate the problem of poor social communication, and make the elderly more lonely and anxious.
Conclusion of the article
These are the common symptoms and manifestations of depression in old age. If you or the elderly around you have these symptoms, you should seek professional psychologist for consultation in time and seek professional help and**. Of course, it can also help the elderly alleviate depression and improve their quality of life by communicating with family members, supporting the elderly to expand their social circle, increasing the joy of life, better participating in social activities, and improving self-confidence and confidence in future development.