What are the most effective treatments for depression and anxiety in older adults? #TalkTo Dr Ravi Soni, A Geriatric Psychiatrist.
Hey, everyone, it's your host, Anisha. We're back with an awesome personality, dr. Ravi Soni. Dr. Ravi Soni is a geriatric psychiatrist by profession. He is one of the best psychiatrist in Gujarat. He was invited on a symposium, challenges and Hope for Alzheimer's MERS organized by IIT Gandhinagar. He also started counseling services called Bhat Cheat, through which he's helping many people address their mental health issues. Join us to know more on October Sharp, exclusively available on Swell
A very warm welcome to you, Dr. Ravi. Soni. My first question to you is what are the leading problems in elderly patients which become the cause of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 1:48
So all these we can manage through proper physician or doctor consultation and healthy lifestyle, proper nutritious diet, avoiding junk food, staying away from sedentary lifestyle, exercise. All of these are very important to stay away from Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism because there are certain causes of Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism like aging. As we grow older, these kind of illnesses which are related to age will happen more and more
That was indeed a wonderful reply, sir. My next question to you is what medications, exercises and therapy would you recommend for elderly people in order to avoid the same?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 2:26
So these kind of exercises are very important therapy. Usually there are no such therapy to improve healthy lifestyle, but therapy is like your social circle, your friends, so going out, meeting people, talking about your past, memories, experiences, sharing them with your children, grandchildren, enjoying the happy moments and watching certain videotapes together. So all these moments are a kind of therapy. It is called as reminiscent therapy to improve sadness or any kind of memory related problem in the elderly
That is truly wonderful. Sir, my next question to you is do you think reverse aging is possible so that they remain healthy in body and mind, as always?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 2:45
Healthy aging is possible. And to keep your mind young, you need to involve yourself into certain activities like socially, you should be active, you should be doing certain things that excites you. You should give certain time for exploration which may be like if you are traveler, if you are into spirituality or whatever excites you, whatever enthusiasm you have
That is truly a good advice, sir. My next question to you is what is your opinion on screen time and how it affects our brain? Does reducing the screen time help us become more creative and cause less incidence of brain related disorders?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 2:29
In the evening otherwise it will affect the brain in a very bad manner they will have a memory issue they will have irritability mood changes and also the bodily function will get deteriorated gradually reducing screen time and creativity has no direct connection. But when we are watching something on mobile or TV and if it is just a waste of time and it does not provide any productive knowledge or anything or skill to us, so it is a waste of time
It's truly an insightful answer, sir. My next question to you is what therapy and exercises would you recommend for people who have anxiety and suffer from behavioral problems?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 1:30
You. Any person who is suffering from anxiety disorder or any behavioral problems must undergo certain thought process. Why certain issues are there, why anxiety is happening in the first place. So there is always certain conflicts, certain external factors, internal factors. All of them are playing a role in developing anxiety. So there are people who develop panic attacks in certain situations, certain places. So person must have an insight in why something is happening
Thank you so much, sir, for this valuable piece of information that you have given us. My last and final question to you is what are some tips you can give us to always keep our minds strong?
Dr Ravi Soni
@talking.psych · 1:25
Focusing on your work on your hobbies interests, focusing on your excitement, enjoyment, exploration and particularly what is needed and should be done. So all these things keep you active, focus, motivated so try to avoid any distraction in your life, particularly when it comes to social media. So these things keep you active
Thank you so much, Dr. Ravi Soni, for your wonderful time and wonderful insights. We wrap up for the day, everyone, and I'll see you another day and time for yet another interview. Don't forget to follow Dr. Ravi soni on Instagram, Facebook LinkedIn and here on Swell. Until next time. Bye