Feeling blue? Blame ‘empty nest syndrome’

Many psychiatrists say they now see an increased number of senior citizens in OPD clinics who come for treatment of depression and loneliness.

“Depression is certainly on the rise among the elderly and around 2 to 5 percent of the total cases in the OPDs comprise senior citizens. We have also seen that there is lot of resistance on part of children to put their parents on anti-depressants. We have to convince them that their parents need help,” says Dr B S Chavan,head of department,Psychiatry at GMCH,Sector 32.

The Department of Community Medicine at GMCH,in a study conducted recently,had found that women suffer more due to depression and loneliness as compared to men. The survey was conducted on 361 individuals (152 males,209 females) between 65 and 92 years in Chandigarh and found that 72.8 per cent of women suffer from loneliness as compared to 65.6 per cent males.

The survey revealed that these symptoms are found more in people whose spouse has died or if the couple does not stay with their children.

While 7 per cent of the country’s population comprises senior citizens,9 per cent of Chandigarh’s population is above 60 years. “Couples who share a better relationship,plan their retirement,have varied interests and a social circle do better than those who do not,” said Dr Simi Waraich of Fortis Hospital,Mohali.

Elaborating on the empty nest syndrome,Professor Manju Mehta,Department of Psychiatry,AIIMS,at a seminar on ‘Aggression outside homes’ held at the Panjab University recently,said: “While it is inevitable that children will leave the comfort of their homes one day,the reason parents are unable to cope is because of their personality. It is mostly the dependent types who find it difficult to deal with their loneliness once their children leave home. Their habit to cling plays havoc with their mental peace.”

“Such people consider caring and loving someone a ‘hobby’ and get depressed when they do not find anyone to attend to,” she added.

Busting the myth that only old people suffer from this syndrome,Mehta said: “The seeds of the syndrome are laid as early as 40 years. I have attended to women in their late 30s who were depressed because they felt their children do not need them.”

Tips for the elderly to deal with loneliness

Socialise: One must participate in group activities. “There is less or no social networking as people are leading isolated lives. This is another reason why people increasingly are feeling lonely,” said Mehta.

Cultivate hobbies: Be it gardening,reading or travelling,one should celebrate loneliness instead of cribbing about it. Get involved in social activities like working with NGOs. Find avenues where your expertise is required.

Plan your retired life: Start planning for your retired life in the initial phases. Cultivate a hobby early so that you can pursue this after retirement.

Don’t feel ashamed of your thoughts: If you feel depressed,lonely or suicidal for more than two weeks at a stretch,consult an expert.