THE ENHANCEMENT OF PREVENTING AND SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF DEPRESSION ACCORDING TO THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS OF THE ELDERLY IN UBONRATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research are 1) to examine the current conditions, problems, obstacles including prevention and solutions for depression of the elderly in Ubonratchathani province, 2) to investigate the principle of the Four Noble Truths in order to prevent and solve the problem of depression of the elderly and 3) to suggest the exaltation of prevention and solution procedure according to the Four Noble Truths for the elderly in Ubonratchathani province. The findings revealed that. 1) 96 out of 113 the elderly (84.96%) were diagnosed with normalcy condition, 14 senior citizens (12.39%) who were diagnosed with mild depression and 3 senior citizens (2.65%) were also diagnosed with moderate depression, respectively. The problems leading to depression of the elderly bring about physical deterioration as well as being minimized in social role and becoming dependent. These problems affect to emotional conditions of the elderly. Having access to mental health service regardless of the cost of medical treatment and social welfare support is a major and significant obstacle to prevent and solve the problem of depression for the poor elderly and those who are over 80 year of age. Hence, the expeditious change of society leads to the more competitive, independent but less interdependent. The elderly are being ignored as well as being declined in their conditions of depression. 2) The principle of the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca) promotes to prevent as well as solve depression of the elderly by contemplating or knowing the condition of depression appeared in emotion and mind (Dukkha), abstaining or refraining (Samudaya), contemplating the cessation of suffering (Nirodha) and conducting the prevention and solution procedure for depression (Magga).3) The enhancement of prevention and solution procedure for depression according to the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca) of the elderly in Ubonratchathani province is as follows: 3.1) Prevention process includes: (1) publicizing knowledge to the elderly and their caregivers, (2) offering social support, (3) promoting physical health. (4) enhancing mental health and (5) preventing risk factors that lead to depression. 3.2) Problem-solving process focuses on alleviating symptoms and mental rehabilitation which includes: (1) evaluating and screening the elderly, (2) rehabiliting through counseling activities based on the Four Noble Truths with the participation of monks and (3) follow-up.