Depression in seniors is often misunderstood; it goes beyond just feeling sad. It represents a complex emotional state shaped by various life changes. Take Mr. Sagar, for instance. He recently shared, “After retirement, it felt like the world moved on without me.” Many older adults resonate with this sentiment, experiencing significant shifts in their lives that can lead to feelings of depression, explained by an Old Age therapist in Mumbai – Dr Sharmila
In the quiet corners of his Mumbai apartment, Mr. Sagar’s world had grown smaller with each passing day. At 72, this professional found himself struggling with emotions that many elderly Indians face but few discuss openly. His two successful sons lived abroad, their visits home as rare as summer rain, and the loss of his wife two years ago had left an emptiness that seemed to echo through every room.
It was his daughter-in-law Maya who first noticed the shadows in his eyes during a family video call. Behind his gentle smile and routine “I’m fine” responses, she sensed a growing despair. When her husband came home for a brief vacation, she shared her concerns, and together they discovered the weight their father had been carrying silently – feelings of dependence, loneliness, and a creeping sense of worthlessness that had begun to whisper dark thoughts.
The turning point came when Maya suggested therapy. Initially hesitant – like many of his generation who view seeking emotional help as a sign of weakness or as a stigma in India- Mr. Sagar agreed to give it a try, if only to ease his family’s worry.
Through therapeutic sessions, something remarkable began to unfold. Therapy is all about understanding self, making peace with emotions by talking or receiving help through many modalities that I practice, accepting present and finding meaning in life till we die for an old age person. Mr. Sagar started to see himself not as a burden, but as someone with valuable experience and wisdom to share. I helped him uncover a long-buried dream – he had always wanted to be a consultant, sharing his decades of professional knowledge with others, which was impossible in early 40’s due family responsibilities and financial needs.
With his son’s help in setting up a simple home office and learning to use video calling platforms, Mr. Sagar began offering online consultations. Each client call brought a sparkle back to his eyes. He wasn’t just passing time anymore; he was making a difference, sharing wisdom earned through years of experience. He started interacting with his friends offline and online. He developed his own social circle, felt happier with them, started taking travelling with friends. They kept a check on him.
Today, Mr. Sagar’s calendar has more appointments than empty spaces. His conversations with his sons now revolve around his latest consulting projects rather than his health concerns. The apartment that once felt too quiet now hums with purpose and possibility.
His story reminds us that it’s never too late to reinvent ourselves. Age may change our circumstances, but it need not diminish our ability to find meaning and joy in life. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to notice, care, and help us rediscover our worth.
Are you or someone you know experiencing similar feelings? Don’t let age be a barrier to seeking help and finding new purpose. Reach out to any experienced therapist for specialized elderly therapy and support. Your golden years can truly be golden – it’s never too late to write a new chapter in your story.
Growing older should be a time of wisdom and contentment, yet for many seniors, it becomes a period of emotional struggles. As an old age therapist, I’ve seen how depression can silently affect our elderly loved ones, often masked behind brave smiles and “I’m fine” responses. They are either unaware, unable to find therapist or closed due to their limiting beliefs, shame, awkwardness about therapies. It’s important to help them understand the importance of a therapy other than just talking to friends and family. Sometime an expert is needed to help make difference.
Depression in seniors is often misunderstood; it goes beyond just feeling sad. It represents a complex emotional state shaped by various life changes. Take Mr. Sagar, for instance. He recently shared, “After retirement, it felt like the world moved on without me.” Many older adults resonate with this sentiment, experiencing significant shifts in their lives that can lead to feelings of depression.
Common Contributors to Depression in Seniors
Several factors contribute to this emotional state:
Isolation can be particularly crushing for our elderly population. In today’s fast-paced world, many seniors feel left behind. This sense of exclusion often stems from:
Connection is crucial for emotional well-being. Here are some ways seniors can stay engaged:
Establishing daily routines significantly impacts mental health. Here are some practical steps:
Sometimes, professional help is necessary. An old age therapist can provide invaluable support through:
Family support plays a crucial role in managing depression. You can help by:
Encouraging seniors to practice self-care is essential. Here are some effective strategies:
Depression in seniors isn’t an inevitable part of aging – it’s a challenge that can be addressed with the right support and understanding. As an old age therapist, I’ve witnessed countless seniors reclaim their joy and purpose through proper support and care.
Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but of wisdom. Whether through professional support, community engagement, or family connections, there are many paths to emotional wellness in the golden years.
If you or a senior loved one is struggling with depression or feelings of isolation, reach out. Together, we can create a supportive environment where elderly can thrive emotionally and find renewed purpose in their golden years.
Book Appointment session with Dr Sharmila Dhobale for Psychotherapy.