Restriction lift date: 2023-10-31
Experiences of older adults with anxiety and depression of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions
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Full Text E-thesis
Date
2022-05
Authors
Cashman, Alice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background:
Research indicates that older adults and individuals with pre-existing mental health difficulties were among the groups particularly at risk of experiencing increased mental health difficulties due to the lockdown restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults experiencing anxiety and depression may have been particularly vulnerable. Researchers have warned of potential long-term mental health consequences for these older adults and pointed out that the field of geriatric psychiatry is in uncharted territory given the confluence of a global viral pandemic and increased life expectancy.
Aims:
The aim of the current study is to explore how older adults with pre-existing anxiety and depression experienced and understood the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Participants and setting:
Nine older adults, aged 65 years and over, with pre-existing anxiety and depression were recruited from the Older Adult Mental Health Services of the Irish Health Service Executive.
Methods:
Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded
and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results:
Six themes were generated, organised under two super-ordinate themes: ‘Sent to the Sidelines’ and ‘The End, or a New Beginning?’ Participants experienced a sense of lost purpose and belonging in society, and experienced feeling no longer needed by society. For some, there was a sense of hopelessness, and that this new way of life was permanent. While for others there remained hope that brighter days would follow.
Conclusion:
Findings highlight the importance of social connection and belongingness, purpose and meaning, and a sense of agency in the lives of participants.
Description
Keywords
Coronavirus , COVID , Older adult , Psychological distress
Citation
Cashman, A. 2022. Experiences of older adults with anxiety and depression of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.