Psychologist warned about the risk of ignoring depression in the elderly

Psychotherapy in old age helps to cope with anxiety, depression, loss of meaning, loneliness and the consequences of serious life changes, and you should seek help at the first sign of psychological discomfort. Angelika Yeremenko, a clinical psychologist at the Axon Mental Health Clinic, told Izvestia about this on July 3.

According to the expert, the idea that psychotherapy is needed only by young people is erroneous. Sadness, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and memory complaints in old age are not always natural companions of aging and may indicate a condition that requires attention.

Ignoring psychological discomfort can lead to social isolation, lower quality of life, and loss of interest in familiar activities. Yeremenko noted that depression in the elderly should not be perceived as an ordinary bad mood, since in severe cases it becomes a serious risk factor.

"Psychotherapy is needed not when "it's already very bad," but when the first alarm bells appear," the expert noted.

"We need to save, period. Emotions come later"

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It is worth contacting a psychologist if you are in a persistent depressed mood, feeling hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, loneliness, decreased concentration, a feeling of "fog" in your head, refusal to communicate, loss of interest in previous activities, sleep disorders and somatic complaints that doctors cannot explain.

Retirement, the loss of a loved one, relocation and deterioration of physical health require special attention. Such events become severe stress, which can be difficult for an elderly person to cope with without support.

According to the psychologist, various methods of work are effective in old age, including cognitive behavioral therapy, memory therapy, psychodynamic approach, behavioral activation and cognitive stimulating therapy. These methods help to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, regain interest in life, rethink experiences and maintain cognitive functions.

Yeremenko stressed that working with older patients requires special tact, a calmer pace and consideration of not only the psychological, but also the social and physical condition of a person. It is important to create a safe space where the patient will not feel "too old" for changes.

"Psychotherapy for adulthood is not a "cure" for old age. This is a way to live your later years with great comfort, mental clarity and peace of mind," concluded the specialist.

Olga Avanesyan, a practicing psychologist and psychotherapist, told on June 3 how unlived emotions turn into chronic diseases. According to her, the body spends resources on their constant containment, which over time can lead to fatigue, inflammatory processes and health problems. The psychologist noted that it is important to follow a mental hygiene and regularly work with your feelings, including with the help of a psychologist. This helps not to accumulate internal tension, reduces the number of unexplained symptoms, restores energy and improves the quality of relationships with others.