Impact of Depression on Each Stage of the Life Cycle
Infants between 1 and 12 months grow very fast. During this period, infants require constant attention from their parents. Mothers should breastfeed and take care of their children. Depression might occur when the emotional and physical needs of such infants are not met (Wachs, Black, & Engle, 2012). The major impacts of depression include reduced growth rate, loss of appetite, and restlessness.
Children between 1 and 12 years portray specific signs of depressions. Depression might be caused by lack of attention and support. The problems associated with untreated depression in children include suicide and helplessness (Wachs et al., 2012). Depressed children will become hopeless and feel isolated. Appropriate management strategies for depression should be used to support more children.
Depression in teenage is viewed by psychologists as an emotional disorder. The major impacts of depression during the stage include “long-lasting sadness, anguish, and loss of interest” (Wachs et al., 2012, p. 4). The affected teenagers will indulge in unhealthy behaviors. They will also suffer the consequences of peer pressure.
In adults, depression can be caused by different factors such as loss of loved ones, hardships, and inability to achieve one’s goals. Adults affected by depression will become hopeless. Reduced self-esteem, loss of appetite, anguish, and difficulty in sleeping are associated with depression in adults (Wachs et al., 2012). Clinical depression causes suicidal thoughts in adults. Some people might complain of physical pains and chronic headaches. The elderly can be affected negatively by depression. These individuals become despaired and unhappy. Aggravated aches are common in the elderly (Wachs et al., 2012).
Responding Therapeutically
Therapeutic responses are used to address the emotional and physical problems associated with depression. The best therapeutic response to infants should “consist of observation and touch” (Tamparo & Lindh, 2014, p. 112). This practice strengthens the bond between infants and their caregivers. Guardians should hold their babies lovingly and create the best environment for them. In childhood, a therapeutic response should be characterized by friendly relationships. Clinics for children should be comfortable, colorful, pleasant, and attractive. Children should be encouraged to express their ideas and feelings. Rewards such as hugs and stickers can empower more children.
Adolescents should be allowed to live in comfortable environments. They should be treated with dignity, love, and respect. Parents should set consistent, realistic, and fair limits for their children (Wachs et al., 2012). These aspects will empower and encourage adolescents to pursue their goals. Caregivers should use the best therapeutic strategies to support more adults. Such strategies include recognition, support, and provision of adequate care (Tamparo & Lindh, 2014). Caregivers should support their cultural values. Caregivers should respect the rights and freedoms of adults. They should also be encouraged and allowed to pursue their personal interests (Moragne, 2011). Elderly people require desirable therapeutic responses. They should be allowed to live comfortably. Caregivers should promote face-to-face communication whenever supporting the needs of older adults. Their cultural values should be taken seriously.
References
Moragne, W. (2011). Depression. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books.
Tamparo, C., & Lindh, W. (2014). Therapeutic communications for health care. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Wachs, T., Black, M., & Engle, P. (2012). Maternal depression: a global threat to children’s health, development, and behavior and to human rights. Semantics Scholar, 1(1), 1-9.