It is now well understood that the pandemic had adverse effects on mental health, particularly for school-age children. But officials have noted that the isolated elderly also suffered tremendously. Our elders are the most vulnerable to covid and had to stay away from their loved ones due to the risk of a life-threatening infection. Those who survived the worst of the pandemic, without the risk having fully disappeared, are still paying the price of being alone for so long.
Social isolation it is a well-documented problem that is associated with poor health outcomes, premature death, and increased risk of dementia. We evolved in tribes and seem to be programmed to need connection and association with others. It is true that there are lonely people who do not seem to need the company of others very much, but that is not the majority of people. The result of social isolation, necessary as it was to prevent the spread of a potentially fatal Covid outbreak, has left its mark. Depression may be more common than ever. And older parents are unlikely to seek treatment for depression, as their generation appears to be generally biased against mental health treatment. They would say “I’m not crazy. I don’t need to see a therapist.” Or “I don’t believe in those things.” In short, they resist the idea that a therapist can help them.
Isolation can lead to depression.
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symptoms of depression
Depression manifests itself in many ways. In our own aging loved ones, we can see a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. They look sad. They don’t want to participate. We may see significant weight gain or loss and changes in eating habits. There may be sleep disturbances. Some who suffer from depression become irritable, angry, or withdrawn even in simple conversations. For their families, it can be very frustrating. You see something isn’t right but you don’t know what to do about it.
telemedicine
One thing about mental health help has definitely changed during the pandemic. In other words, health insurers were more willing to pay for telemedicine. That includes psychological help. Previously, they were reluctant to pay for anything other than in-person visits to a therapist. Now, insurers are reimbursing therapists for telemedicine, on video therapy visits. That can help. However, a recurring problem is that insurers do not pay more experienced mental health providers at market rates and some refuse to accept insurance altogether. Some will not accept Medicare payment. That means paying out of pocket for therapy. Some can afford it and some can’t.
Imagine you have an elderly parent who seems listless and looks very down these days. He thinks his loved one is depressed. What can you say? What can you do?
Medicine
When you approach some primary care doctors about depression in an aging parent, they are usually ready and willing to prescribe antidepressant medication. These medications can help control symptoms well, but they don’t get at the underlying causes of depression. To discover them, it takes a mental health provider to talk about what’s going on. Antidepressant medications work best when combined with a few regular talk therapy visits.
How can someone be persuaded to see a therapist?
The most resistant people will not go, even if you think they really need it. For others, who may be undecided, it may help to do some research to find an experienced therapist who treats depression in the elderly. Your elderly parents’ primary care physician can be a good referral source. Most therapists will speak to a potential client over the phone before making an appointment, to try to determine if they are a good fit for each other. Different personalities and therapy styles are important. If you find a therapist who might work well with your aging loved one, you can describe to your elder what you like about that person and encourage them to try it. Finding the right therapist is not that easy. If you do your research before suggesting this, it can really help an elderly person who has no idea how to get started.
Expect
According to the American Psychological Association, about 75% of people who seek therapy get some benefit from it. Those are good odds. When a person is depressed, they can feel hopeless and helpless. A good therapist can help change that in a better direction. If you think your aging parent is depressed, whether due to pandemic-related isolation or not, consider that help is available. encourage him. Research to find a suitable person. You can greatly improve the quality of life for your loved one.
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