six to twelve weeks. To insure treatment, patients should continue even after they are better. “But 20% of elderly depressed patients do not get well despite SSRIs or TCAs and psychotherapy.” (Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999). Before SSRIs came about, there were two classes of antidepressants that were being used. These drugs were monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the tricyclics. Using these drugs as treatments is not going to cure anything over night. “With all these drugs, a minimum of 4 weeks has to pass before you start to see the effects.” (Butler, et al., 1997). This is known with any treatment for any disease.A treatment that is very useful that can also rejuvenate the body is physical activity. “Although sedentary living is only one of many possible causes for such negative emotional states, many researchers agree that physical activity can play a significant role in reversing them.” (JOPERD, 2001). After retirement, the elderly do not know what to do with themselves so they stay around the house and do work. Getting out and exercising can help make a person feel good about themselves and their body at any age group. Exercising can consist of anything from taking a walk or maybe even a jog to joining a health club. There is confidence that a positive relationship exists between physical activity and psychological well being among the elderly (JOPERD, 2001).If you know someone going through this, the best thing to do is be there for him or her. Family can help a lot by reminding them how special they are, what they have to look forward to like watching there grandkids next birthday or seeing them graduate from either high school or college (Butler et al., 1997). Helping them also means letting them do things on there own. You do not want to make the person feel very helpless because that can only make them worse.Depression is a serious disease that cannot be taken lightly. Pe...
