Mental health of the elderly 1
Physical health is important for the elderly, but due to physiological or social reasons, the elderly may have various psychological and mental disorders such as anxiety and depression after entering their old age, which seriously affects their quality of life. These psychological problems will also radiate to the body, leading to health deterioration. In this regard, many authoritative experts in the field of psychopsychology issued an appeal through Life Times: Are the elderly in urgent need of help? Mental health products? .
Mental illness plagues the elderly all over the world.
During her medical career, Sun Xinyu, director of the Geriatrics Department of Peking University Sixth Hospital, helped many elderly patients with mental illness. Sun Xinyu told reporters the story of two old people: The first old man is over 70 years old and worked in a scientific research institution before he retired. She and his wife have the same level of knowledge, and they have a good relationship. Five or six years ago, my wife died of cardiovascular disease, and she suddenly left, which was a great blow to her. For a long time, she missed her day and night, always thinking about her kindness to herself when her wife was alive, and her mental state was very poor. The old man has two children. One is abroad. Although he is very filial, he often calls overseas to be caring and attentive, but he is beyond his power and many things can't help him. There is also a child whose financial situation is not very good, and his work and family are under great pressure. Not only is it difficult to take care of the mother, but even the elderly have financial requirements. Some time ago, the elderly suffered from cardiovascular diseases and their self-care ability declined. They began to worry repeatedly about whether they would die soon and whether foreign children could take care of themselves. So they easily shed tears, realized that it was someone else's burden, and collected a lot of sleeping pills through various channels. One day, after taking all the sleeping pills, she took a taxi to his wife's grave and tried to commit suicide. At the cemetery, the medicine began to take effect, and the old man fell on the side of the road. Fortunately, it was discovered by pedestrians and sent to the hospital in time. The old man was finally rescued and was diagnosed with depression in the Sixth Hospital of Peking University. After treatment, the situation gradually improved.
The second old man is the father of a doctor's friend. At this time, my friend found me and said with a wry smile, his father? Have you seen almost all the departments? . At first, the old man said that his stomach was uncomfortable and he couldn't eat anything. He didn't find any big problems when he went to the digestive department for examination. The old man also said that his heart was uncomfortable and the cardiology department did not find out the disease. Later, respiratory, internal medicine, urology, orthopedics, Chinese medicine? I've seen all the departments I can see, and I've done the necessary examinations and gastroscopes several times. The possibility of tumor has been ruled out, but the old man still suspects that he is seriously ill and can't eat or sleep every day, so he reads medical books at home and studies on his own? What's wrong with you? . Finally, the doctor advised him to see a psychologist. The performance of the elderly is a typical hypochondriac disease and a manifestation of depression. Persuaded by doctors and family, he agreed to try treatment. After two or three weeks of antidepressant treatment, the condition improved and returned to normal in less than two months.
Nowadays, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are well known to the public, but the elderly seem to be the neglected group in these diseases. Research shows that the prevalence of mental illness among people over 65 years old accounts for 26% of the elderly population. Sun Xinyu said that taking depression as an example, the prevalence of depression that meets the diagnostic criteria abroad is 2% to 4%; If symptom criteria are used, the prevalence of anxiety and depression may reach 20%. Up to half of people have emotional problems. In China, a survey found that the prevalence of depression among people over 65 was 4.4%. Because many people's depressive symptoms are not transient, and even relapse, which has a great impact on their lives, and the suicide rate is higher than that of the general population. Li Xianyun, member of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of the Beijing Psychological Crisis Research and Intervention Center, said that the suicide rate of the elderly is the highest, especially the suicide rate of the elderly over 65 years old has risen sharply, which is the same as the global situation. Sun Xinyu said that foreign data show that the suicide rate can reach 47.8/65438+ 10,000 people, and the suicide rate of the elderly over 85 in the United States is as high as 55/65438+ 10,000 people. Old people tend to plan suicide in advance, while young people are more impulsive. The data shows that the suicide mortality rate of the elderly can reach 25%, while that of young people is about 5%.
Demons bring chronic diseases and suicide.
At present, the causes of mental illness are not very clear, but for the elderly, retirement, empty nest, physical illness, marital changes, child relationship and so on. , may become an incentive. Sun Xinyu pointed out from a professional point of view that there are three main reasons why the elderly suffer from mental disorders.
One is biological reasons. In old age, many physiological functions, including brain function, are deteriorating, and there are more and more physical diseases. The data shows that the prevalence rate of chronic diseases in the elderly over 65 years old is 54%, and more than 70% of the elderly suffer from two or more chronic diseases at the same time. The human body is a whole, and the maintenance of mental and psychological activities requires the normal operation of the whole body function.
The second reason is personality. Some people are sensitive and introverted, easy to walk into a dead end when things happen, and have poor resistance to psychological attacks; And some people are more cheerful, no matter what they encounter, they will survive, and the chances of suffering from mental illness will be smaller. In addition, when people are old, they tend to be stubborn, extreme in thinking, and difficult to communicate with others, which is also the cause of mental illness.
Third, social and psychological factors. For example, leaders who used to be very independent are now losing energy and feeling deeply lost. Widowhood in old age is a prominent negative event. Many old people depend on their wives from their feelings to their living habits. Suddenly they are left alone, and there is no one to talk to. They will definitely feel lonely. Even if a child is filial, it is impossible to take the place of his wife. The pressure of remarriage, children's economic disputes, and children living in different places have left many elderly people at a loss.
The above problems not only make the elderly fall into psychological troubles, but also may bring physical diseases. Studies have shown that the relationship between depression and physical illness may be two-way. For example, chronic pain may be the inducing factor of depression, and depression may aggravate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A prospective study shows that depression can directly cause cardiovascular diseases and increase the complications and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Li Xianyun pointed out that experiencing negative life events, coupled with the deterioration of physical and mental health, will gradually weaken the ability to take care of themselves, narrow the circle of interpersonal communication and even isolate themselves, and the sense of worthlessness will become stronger and stronger. If there are other adverse events, it may lead to suicide. Physical or mental illness, long-term stimulation or negative life events, low quality of life, suicidal behavior, suicidal behavior of relatives and friends, obvious sense of uselessness, worthlessness and despair. The more these risk factors, the higher the risk of suicide. Therefore, the children, families, communities and society of the elderly need to pay more attention, increase their contact with society, improve their ability to solve practical problems, guide them to exercise moderately, do some interesting things, and enhance their sense of self-worth and hope. If necessary, you should actively seek help and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Child health care is better than medicine.
Early diagnosis and early treatment are of great significance to the treatment of mental illness. Sun Xinyu said that the clinical treatment effect of depression is very good, and more than 90% can be cured. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the early recognition rate of mental illness.
The core of depression is the decline of motivation, energy and interest. Sun Xinyu said that many elderly patients with depression have hidden manifestations, and their symptoms are more focused on their own body or the younger generation, showing irritability, anxiety and physical symptoms. According to the data, about 80% of the elderly patients with depression complained of memory loss, and those with obvious cognitive impairment accounted for 10%~ 15%. If an old man suddenly has more worries, stops doing what he likes, has less communication with the outside world, and always says that he is not feeling well, then he should consider whether he has depression after ruling out his physical illness. Once the mood becomes extreme, self-enclosed, not talking to others, and afraid of being looked down upon by others, the risk of suicide is high, and you need to go to a psychiatric clinic quickly.
Experts also prescribe it for the elderly? Mental health products? Accordingly, it is helpful to the mental health of the elderly.
The child's company and telephone are both decompressors and warmers. Sun Xinyu said, is the old man? Old kid? They will be more dependent on their children. ? Clinically, if a sick old man has a good family support system, his prognosis will be good. If the children are taken care of properly, the elderly will not even get sick. ? Children are advised to call their parents 2~3 times a week. A greeting phone is like a heart warmer, which will make parents feel the warmth of love. Sun Xinyu said that young people should spend more time with the elderly when they have time, not only eating, but also taking them to the movies and going out to play. Being active with parents is like a decompression device, which can relieve the depression caused by loneliness.
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Community fancy activities are a tonic. In the community, the mental health of the elderly can be managed, get face-to-face emotional exchanges and social activities, and organize educational games, such as chess, Go, calligraphy, painting, handicrafts, healthy dancing, choirs, Peking Opera and so on. The loneliness of the elderly can be obviously alleviated. This kind of community support is like a tonic, which enriches the old people's later life. Medical help and health education are sedatives. If the elderly have suspicious mental symptoms, they should see a psychologist to avoid taking many detours. Especially when there is a high risk of suicide, don't be afraid to seek medical advice. Correct health education and publicity, like a sedative, let the elderly live in their old age.
Li Xianyun finally appealed that suicide can be prevented and intervened. Don't be afraid of suicidal thoughts and impulses, seek professional help in time, find a solution to the problem, and get rid of the pain as soon as possible. Children should pay more attention to the thoughts and feelings of the elderly, understand what the elderly need, and provide the care that the elderly need most. If the old man's mood becomes bad and shows a world-weary mentality, it is most important to accompany the old man to see a doctor as soon as possible and receive formal treatment.
Articles on mental health of the elderly II
12345 principle, namely? One center: health as the center; Two main points: be smart and confused; Three forgetfulness: forgetting age, illness and grievances; Fourth brother: I have a wife, old capital, old nest and old friends; Five essentials: drop, look good, laugh, jump and talk? .
A center: the elderly should protect their physical and mental health. When the elderly are physically and mentally healthy, they will not be a burden to society and family, which in itself is a contribution to society and family. A healthy person can improve his quality of life and enjoy the fun life brings him.
Two main points: be smart and be confused. Old people should live a more relaxed and tolerant life. Natural and unrestrained, generous, relaxed and unrestrained; Confused people are fully aware that they are indifferent to peace of mind and are not disturbed by trivial matters. Life is too short, life comes first, so there is no need to haggle over trifles in life. Confused, tolerant, endure a calm moment, take a step back, why not?
Three forgetfulness: forgetting age, illness and grievances. Old people should not always worry about their old age and illness, nor should they always recall past grievances. Birth, aging, illness and death are the natural laws of life, and no one can escape this process, so there is no need to worry too much about what is bound to happen. There will inevitably be some ups and downs, ups and downs, grievances and grievances in the journey of life. There is no need to haggle over the past. The most important thing for the elderly is to relax and live an optimistic life.
Four seniors: a wife, a lair, a little old-fashioned, and a few old friends. Old people must have wives, especially men. As the saying goes:? A room full of children is not as good as a couple halfway. ? In other words, it is best for the old couple to live together, and the children are not as good as the husband and wife to take care of each other. Even the newly married old couple are much better than their children. It is irreplaceable for the old couple to comfort each other in spirit and take care of each other in life. Emotional communication between husband and wife is very beneficial to health care.
There is an old nest. Old people must have a house of their own, so that they can feel safe and be beneficial to their physical and mental health.
Old people who are a little old-fashioned should always have some savings for a rainy day. A little savings in hand can be taken out in time to solve urgent needs.
I have some old friends. Old people should have a few old friends, chat together at ordinary times and help each other when something happens, which is very beneficial to health care.
Five essentials: drip, jump, laugh, be handsome and talk (endlessly).
Want to give up. Old people should put down their airs and keep a normal heart, which is especially important for people with social status. When the old people retire, don't say I'm so-and-so, I'm an old expert, an old professor and a famous artist. Think about how I waited. We should put ourselves in the position of an ordinary person, look at problems with a normal mind and deal with things around us, so that our mentality will be peaceful and our body and mind will be healthy.
Want to jump. Old people should be active, not just dancing. ? Life lies in exercise? Exercise can enhance physical fitness, make the body full of vitality and regulate emotions.
Laugh. Old people should be optimistic about life and always keep a happy attitude. Smile in front of the mirror several times a day, and you will feel better.
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You’d better wise up. Old people should dress more beautifully and make their image more beautiful, so that they will feel much younger and others will see their youthful vitality.
Want to talk. Old people should often communicate their thoughts and feelings with others. Self-isolation and loneliness are important factors that endanger the physical and mental health of the elderly, and they are one of the causes of depression and dementia in the elderly. Chatting is one of the most economical and healthy activities, which is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of depression and dementia.
Mental health of the elderly Article 3
Birth, old age, illness and death are the normal state of human beings, and death is something that everyone is unwilling to mention and fear. For the elderly, having tasted all the tastes in the world, they are not so afraid of death. They are more afraid of these.
Cognitive decline
The body of the elderly will gradually deteriorate with age, but the most important thing is that their cognitive ability will also decline. This includes memory, perception, hearing, smell and so on. They will be unfamiliar with the people closest to them, will be unconscious of all kinds of things in life, and will become slow. This is mainly due to the changes of brain function in the elderly, and the synthetic metabolism of transmitters in the central nervous system is weakened.
(It turns out that old people are most afraid of these)
lonely
The old man is old, and the children have their own families, and they will not stay with him all the time. Their usual feelings and moods can't be vented, and they will gradually feel lonely. The best solution is for the elderly to go out more, make more friends and participate in social activities. When they feel lonely at home, friends are the best people to talk to. Usually, you should go out for air and do some exercise properly, which is not only good for your health, but also can enrich your life.
be widowed
We can often see that once an elderly couple loses their spouse, they may soon follow suit because they can't stand the grief of losing their partner? Going? Yes However, some studies have proved that half a year after the death of a partner is the critical period of death, during which the immune function is only110. So the old man is interested in the other half? Going? Being psychologically prepared and cultivating some hobbies at ordinary times can transfer the shadow of sadness.
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Children are unfilial
Old people worry about their children all their lives so that they can enjoy their old age happily. However, some children do not take the elderly seriously, not only fail to support them, but also bring them a lot of trouble.
Older people's psychological endurance is relatively poor, and they are easily affected by mental illness, so children should give more care and love at ordinary times, and don't let them have psychological problems.