Mental Health Day: Elderly depression remains an overlooked concern in Jharkhand, say experts

Depression and other mental health concerns among elderly people often remain overlooked. According to mental health experts, older persons and their families may focus more on physical illnesses, financial concerns and day-to-day responsibilities than on changes in emotional and psychological well-being.

Experts point out that elderly people may not always openly communicate their mental health concerns. In families where older persons are dependent on their children, concerns may remain unaddressed because of limited communication or the elderly person’s hesitation to seek help.

Jhimli Chatterjee, mental health professional, Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), said, “Those living alone or experiencing an empty nest situation can face an additional risk of loneliness and delayed identification of mental health problems.”

Depression, anxiety and loneliness are among the concerns that can affect older people, while dementia (a decline in thinking, memory, and reasoning skills) is another condition requiring attention.

Additionally, elderly people living with chronic conditions and multiple health problems are more vulnerable to mental health issues.

Dr Amool Ranjan, head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at Ranchi Institute of NeuroPsychiatry & Allied Sciences, said, “Social isolation, a growing sense of worthlessness and loss of purpose make elderly people vulnerable to depression as they lose contact with colleagues, friends and family members.”

Experts emphasised that feelings of helplessness, weakness, neglect and loneliness can affect their emotional health. Such experiences lead to low energy and reduced motivation, which make old people less willing to initiate activities or interact with others.

Dr Pawan Kumar Burnwal of the Neuropsychiatry Department said, “People often say that Budhape me sathiya gaya hai (He has gone senile in his old age). Reduced interest in routine activities, withdrawing from social interactions and becoming unusually emotional can be important signs. Sleep disturbances and changes in appetite may also accompany declining mental well-being.”

What Families Can Do

• Maintain regular contact.

• Encourage social interaction.

• Give them a sense of purpose, such as by encouraging hobbies, participation in household decisions, volunteering, religious/cultural activities, gardening, reading or learning.

• Promote physical activity: Walking or other age-appropriate exercise can support mental well-being.

• Listen without dismissing.

• Avoid statements such as ‘you are just getting old’.

• Watch for changes in sleep, appetite, activity level, mood and social behaviour.

Early Warning Signs in Elderly People

• Increasing withdrawal from family, friends and routine social activities.

• Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

• Persistent feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, helplessness or being neglected.

• Low energy and reduced motivation to initiate daily activities.

• Becoming unusually emotional, irritable or agitated.

• Sleep disturbances, including difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping.

• Changes in appetite or eating patterns.

Related Stories

France’s Gen-Z Revolt: When a School Crisis Becomes a Crisis of Trust What Pregnancy Complications Could Mean for Future Health: UK Study Finds Higher Risk of Heart, Kidney And Metabolic Diseases Indian Bureaucracy—A Complex Institutional Architecture Ceiling fan removal debate: How several foreign universities modified campuses to prevent suicides