Spirituality & Depression in the Elderly
As a person gets older, she must deal with health problems, loss of loved ones and significant life changes. When confronted with these changes, elderly people commonly get depressed. Spirituality can help the elderly manage depression.
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Identification
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According to Merck.com, "spirituality involves feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviors that arise from a search for the sacred." The National Institutes of Health identifies depression as "a medical illness in which a person has feelings of sadness, discouragement and lack of self-worth."
Prevalence
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The National Alliance on Mental Health explains that depression is common among the elderly, affecting more than 6.5 million Americans over 65 years old. It often goes untreated because it is considered a "normal part of aging and a natural reaction to chronic illness, loss and social transition."
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Coping
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In many cases, elderly adults who have a strong spiritual connection tend to have an easier time coping with the symptoms of depression. The University of Missouri-Kansas City explains that spirituality can lead to happiness, higher morale and greater overall health.
Benefits
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A study referenced in the Merck Manual of Geriatrics found that 90 percent of elderly patients rely on religion or spirituality when coping with health or social problems. In many cases, spirituality is one of the most important factors that enable elderly adults to cope with their depression.
Considerations
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Although spirituality is typically beneficial for elderly adults with depression, it can also have some disadvantages. An overwhelming sense of spirituality may promote feelings of guilt, anxiety or anger towards a higher power.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit elderly women image by leafy from Fotolia.com
