What to do if your mother suffers from depression

According to relevant statistics, 15 out of every 100 elderly people suffer from depression to varying degrees, among which female patients are twice as many as male patients. Since elderly depression has many characteristics of old age, it is also one of the important risk factors for inducing Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. If it is not discovered and treated in time, the consequences are often serious. Therefore, early detection of elderly depression is very important.

Encourage the elderly to frequently participate in some collective public welfare activities to increase opportunities for communication with others; children should visit the elderly or live with them as often as possible, coordinate relationships with family and friends, and help enrich their lives in old age; help sick elderly people face their illnesses, treat themselves correctly, focus on cultivating good character, and establish a correct outlook on life and values; do not cause unnecessary mental stimulation to the elderly, and help them correctly treat and deal with various unfavorable factors. It is recommended to accompany her to consult a psychologist for diagnosis and then medication. Adhere to taking medicine, and add psychological counseling and family companionship; it is recommended that it is best to use Chinese medicine in combination with psychological treatment to achieve a good therapeutic effect. Chinese medicine uses decoctions to regulate emotions, wake up the brain, relieve liver depression, regulate qi and blood, adjust the body's internal organs and balance yin and yang. Children should show more concern and comfort to her, not make her unhappy, and help her solve her problems. Regularly accompany her to do outdoor activities to relax and meet friends to chat.

Unable to express sad emotions well and indifferent to external things. The main physical complaints are obvious, with a feeling of general discomfort, and the symptoms themselves are easily overlooked. Not interested. Inability to experience fun, unwillingness to participate in normal activities, and even withdrawal from people. Feeling lack of energy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite. They have low self-esteem, think they are worthless, and are pessimistic and desperate. Physical symptoms include weight loss, dry mouth, constipation, sleep disorders, etc. Memory loss and slow reaction may occur. Self-blame, suicidal thoughts, and even suicidal behavior may occur.

2. The harm of depression in the elderly

1. Causes death

Depression in the elderly is very different from depression in young people. It is not easy to be discovered. Once it is discovered, the symptoms are already very serious. Many elderly people even have thoughts of suicide.

Elderly patients with depression often experience high blood pressure, moderate to rapid heart rate, or certain symptoms of coronary heart disease.

3. Severe insomnia

Elderly people who used to sleep well may suddenly find it difficult to fall asleep. They may fall asleep but wake up too early, or fall asleep but feel that they have not slept yet. At this time, taking anti-neurasthenia drugs often has no effect.

4. Constipation

Elderly people who used to have normal bowel movements will find it difficult to defecate, and in severe cases, the bowel movement may be blocked for a week. They will also suffer from various digestive disorders, such as a significant decrease in appetite or even complete loss of appetite. Some may also experience symptoms such as abdominal distension and bad breath.