Older Adults With Existing Depression Show Resilience During the Pandemic

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found no increase in depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder living in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and St Louis, reports Newswise . Subjects also were found to be resilient to the stress of physical distancing and isolation. "They told use that coping with chronic depression taught them to be resilient," said Professor Helen Lavretsky at the University of California, Los Angeles. All study participants were older than 60, and the investigators observed no changes in their depression, anxiety, or suicidality scores before and during the pandemic. Moreover, participants were more concerned about the risk of infection than the risks of isolation, and while all maintained physical distance, few felt socially isolated and were using virtual technology to connect with friends and loved ones. However, many participants admitted that their quality of life was lower, and were concerned that their mental health will deteriorate with continued physical distancing. They also were upset by the inadequate governmental response to the crisis. Among the self-care and coping strategies followed by participants was maintaining regular schedules; distracting themselves from negative emotions with hobbies, chores, work, or exercise; and concentrating on their immediate surroundings and needs without thinking beyond the present.