Elderly pour out their heartfelt sorrows during therapy

By Mehak Minocha

Dr. Rupal Kaura had always believed in the power of empathy and understanding when it came to her work. As a psychologist with more than 7 years of experience, she dedicated her life to understanding and helping those struggling with mental health issues. But it wasn’t until she began focusing on the mental health issues faced by the elderly that she encountered some of the most profound and poignant moments of her career.

One of her first elderly patients was Mr. Khanna (name changed), an 82-year-old widower. He had lost his wife a year prior and had since been battling severe depression. During their sessions, Mr. Khanna often found himself lost in memories of the past, his voice quivering with the weight of his sorrow.  “I used to have someone to talk to every day, and now the silence is suffocating. I don’t know what more purpose is left for me in this life,” Mr. Khanna admitted tearfully.

Dr. Kaura remembers listening intently, her heart aching for her patient. Together, they explored coping strategies and ways to reconnect with his support network. Through their work, Mr. Khanna began to find comfort in joining community activities and reconnecting with old friends easing the weight of loneliness he carried.

Another challenging case was Mrs. Singh (name changed), a 75-year-old retired professor who was grappling with the onset of dementia. Dr. Kaura observed her gradual decline in cognitive function and the frustration it bought her as she struggled to remember even the simplest of things. “It’s like my mind is slipping away, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I can’t even remember my grandchildren names,” Mrs. Singh lamented during one of their sessions.

Dr. Kaura worked tirelessly with Mrs. Singh and her family, educating them about dementia and implementing memory exercises to slow its progression. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a routine and ensuring a supportive environment. Though the journey was fraught with emotional challenges, Dr. Kaura witnessed moments of clarity and connection that brought profound joy to Mrs. Singh and her loved ones.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kaura also encountered cases where mental health issues were compounded by physical ailments, such as chronic pain or mobility issues. These conditions often led to feelings of helplessness and despair among her elderly patients, requiring a holistic approach to treatment that addressed both their physical and psychological well-being.

She emphasized that aging brought unique psychological challenges, from dealing with loss and loneliness to facing cognitive decline and physical limitations.  One of the most significant hurdles she encountered was the stigma surrounding mental health among the older generation. Many of her elderly patients had grown up in a time when discussing mental health was a taboo. This often made them reluctant to seek help or even acknowledge their struggles.

Over time, Dr. Kaura has come to realise that each elderly patient brings with them a lifetime of experiences, wisdom and resilience. She has learnt that addressing mental health issues in the elderly wasn’t just about alleviating symptoms but restoring dignity, purpose, and quality of life.

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