Older adults with existing depression show resilience during the pandemic

Most older adults with preexisting major depressive (MDD) showed resilience within the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the report of a new study published by The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Being the foremost vulnerable population, the stress of COVID for older adults with depression tends to trigger. But dealing with chronic depression taught them to be resilient.
Megan E. Hamm, Ph.D., from University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues interviewed 73 community-dwelling older adults with preexisting MDD to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their psychological state.

The Study

The researchers found that participants’ depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation symptom scores didn’t differ from scores before the pandemic. Yet, their quality of life is lower, and that they worry continued physical distancing are going to be detrimental to their mental state.

Using two screening assessments of depression and anxiety, researchers found no changes within the participants’ depression, anxiety or suicidal scores before and through the pandemic.
Overall, participants said that they were more concerned about the danger of contracting the virus than the chance of isolation. They didn’t feel socially isolated, and that they used technology to attach with friends and family.

Coping strategies utilized by the participants .

A number of these included maintaining regular schedules, distancing themselves from negative emotions with hobbies, work, exercise, chores, and using mindfulness to specialize in immediate surroundings and impulsive beyond the current scenario.
Based on the findings, the study authors wrote that policies and interventions to supply access to medical services and opportunities for social interaction are needed to assist older adults maintain mental health and quality of life because the pandemic continues.

The researchers further emphasized that access to mental health care and support groups, and continued social interaction are needed to assist older adults with the ongoing pandemic.

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