Recovery from Depression in the Elderly in Relation to the Life-World

Abstract

 Objective: To explain recovery from depression in the elderly in relation to the life-world.
 Method: Unstructured interviews with eight elderly people (>65 years old) were conducted. All had been diagnosed with clinical depression and had been receiving psychiatric treatment. Symptoms were either in remission or in a temporary lull. The interview results were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method.
 Results: From the start of depression until the acute stage, the mind and body of the participants were subject to isolation and oppression in the life-world and were unable to live without any inhibition. As such isolation and oppression worsened, they were preoccupied with the impulsive desire for death due to pessimism. These experiences served as the impetus for treatment, and the participants were able to realize the catalyst to bring themselves back to the life-world through the psychiatric treatment. Reintegration into the life-world suggests remission of depression; for the participants, reintegration into the life-world meant return to familiar relationships and daily lives and liberation from the impulsive desire for death and acceptance to live out their natural lives.
 Conclusion: Nurses need to provide an environment which emphasizes return to familiar relationships and daily lives and liberation from the impulsive desire for death and acceptance to live out their natural lives to facilitate the recovery of elderly patients from depression.