Understanding Depression in Elderly Patients: A Reflective Essay

This essay provides a reflection on depression in elderly patients, utilizing Gibbs' reflective cycle model. It encompasses a description of the condition, personal feelings and reactions to the topic, an evaluation of both positive and negative aspects, and an analysis of the lessons learned. The reflection highlights the prevalence of depression among the elderly, its impact on their well-being, and the importance of understanding and addressing this mental health issue. The author reflects on their initial lack of knowledge and the insights gained through research and learning. The essay concludes with an action plan for improving teamwork, research, and listening skills to enhance future performance in nursing practice. Desklib is a great resource for students looking for similar solved assignments and study tools.

Running Head: DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS 1
DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS
Name
Institutional affiliation

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Introduction
This essay will present a reflection on the topic of depression in elderly patients. In the
reflection, Gibbs reflective cycle model will be used. The essay is divided into different sections
including a description section which provides an exploration of the topic, a feelings section
which gives an account of my feelings and reactions to the topic, evaluation of the positive and
negatives of the topic and an analysis of what I have learned from the topic. Lessons from the
reflection are also presented in the conclusion section. The plan concludes with an action plan
explaining what I need to do to improve my performance
Description; Depression is one of the most common conditions affecting elderly patients. It
majorly occurs in elderly patients suffering from other disabilities and medical conditions
(Fässberg et al., 2016). Although not considered a normal part of aging, depression can occur in
patients with different medical conditions. It is majorly manifested through periods of sadness
occurring from time to time (Dowlatshahi et al., 2014). Depression in elderly patients is,
however, a medical condition that can be treated .With an increase in aging population caused by
the increased health awareness and change in dietary choices, cases of depression in aging
populations are some of those that i must deal with as a nurse (Siu et al., 2016). Depression is a
mental disorder that results in prolonged periods of sadness and loss of interest in activities.
Depression in elderly patients negatively affects how they act, think and feel. It can, therefore,
lead to significant life impartment (Polyakova et al., 2014).This essay will discuss different
aspects of depression in elderly patients. Gibbs reflective cycle will be used.
Feelings: I was alarmed by the rate at which depression in aging patients is prevalent, as well as
its impact on the general wellbeing of the elderly patients (Mansbach, Mace & Clark,2015).I felt

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the knowledge and information is had about this topic before undertaking this unit was quite
insignificant. I had always thought that depression was a minor health condition, but after the
introduction to this subject, I feel differently (Wee et al., 2014). I felt embarrassed by the fact
that we had previously argued with some of my classmates about this topic in which my
argument was that depression in elderly patients is a minor issue in Singapore (Forlani et al.,
2014). I feel that I have gained much insight on this particular topic and more prepared to handle
such cases in my nursing career. I feel that this was a worth experience that has enhanced my
competence as a professional Nurse. I felt uneasy having to cope up with different viewpoints
from my team members and thought that I would have been more productive working alone. I
felt that it was quite challenging trying to understand the topic for the first time. This must have
been more demanding than I ever envisioned.
Evaluation: The topic was extremely engaging. I am happy that I was able to grasp most if not all
the concepts related to the topic. I, however, regret the fact that I had not taken much time to
carry out individual research regarding the topic before class presentations. This would have
made it easier for me to understand the topic (Young & Skorga, 2013). I am however pleased
that despite the initial challenges I experienced, in the beginning, I was able to acquire a deeper
understanding of depression in elderly patients. I was also able to demystify the myth that
depression automatically comes with old age .I too have learned that depression is not a
permanent condition but a treatable medical condition. I have also learned that depression among
aging patients is a serious issue which has been on the rise in Singapore (Boots et al., 2014). It is
estimated that 20% of patients above 75 years showing sign of depression. My concentration was
however interrupted from time to time as I thought of real-life situations that I have witnessed in
the society

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Analysis: It is a common occurrence for elderly patients with dementia to show signs of
depression. It is estimated that by the year 2020 depression among the elderly will be ranked the
leading cause of disability globally. It is also expected that at least one in fifteen people in
Singapore will experience depression in their lifetime (Verma et al., 2017). Depressions among
the elderly do not only make them have prolonged periods of sadness, but it also leads to social
withdrawal and hopelessness (van der Steen et al.,2014). It may also drive individuals to harm
themselves or commit suicide. For such patients, depression can destroy their mental and
physical health if not treated in time. I have learned that I had very little knowledge regarding the
issue of depression among aging patients. As a nursing student who aims at becoming a
successful nurse, I need to undertake serious research to improve my knowledge of this topic
(Green et al., 2014). I have also learned that I can be a fast learner given a conducive learning
experience. Although I cannot assert that I have known everything about depression among
elderly patients, I can state that my learning ability is remarkable. I, however, need to do
something to improve my team working skills
Conclusion
Reflecting on this topic, I have realized that depression among the aging population is a serious
issue affecting a significant portion of the Ageing population in Singapore (Coventry., 2015). I
am convinced that I should have delved deeper into research to improve my knowledge and
skills. Doing this would have made the learning process much more satisfactory and less
demanding. However, I can now feel that my introduction to the topic of depression among
aging patients has left me better placed to deal with such patients in my nursing practice. After
my unsuccessful attempts to try and improve my ability to function in a team, I have recognized

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the need to invent a plan to improve my networking and teamwork skills. This also applies to my
research skills which I have found to be unsatisfactory. I have also realized that I need to be
more accommodative of divergent opinions if I want to be more effective and productive.
Action Plan
I look forward to a future where I can function more effectively in a group, improve my learning
skills to improve my learning abilities and knowledge. I will make this my number one focus in
my next topics. I intend to share my intentions with an experienced nurse to ensure that I am well
equipped in to implement my plan (Parker et al., 2015). I intend to achieve this by being an
active listener in which I will be mindful of what others say and strive to understand them better.
Also, I will also strive to understand the different members of my team including the attributes
that differentiate them from the rest of us to ensure that I understand their thinking process and
internalize their opinions. I also intend to improve my research skills by reading widely from the
website and library books. By researching from different sources, I will improve not only my
knowledge but also my research skills (Tiong et al., 2013). I will improve my listening skills by
paying attention and taking notes during lectures. Also, I will develop a list of goals and
objectives for all topics to ensure that I remain attentive throughout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the essay has presented an analysis of depression among aging patients using the
Gibbs 1988 model. Through this reflection, I have learned that depression among the aging is a
serious health condition that affects a sizeable portion of the population. I have also learned that
to be an effective learner i need to set goals and objectives of what I want to achieve. Through
this, I will be able to pay attention and listen keenly. I have also learned that effective learning

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involves effective listening skills and respecting other people's diversities. I have also learned
that research is an integral part of the learning process. I, therefore, need to improve my research
skills to be an effective learner. For the achievement of these objectives, i have devised a plan
that i intend to follow thoroughly. This will ensure that i improve my knowledge and skills in
interacting with different people.

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