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Mental health is defined as “psychological and emotional well-being.” It’s particularly important for seniors. Over the past decades, society has become more open to mental health discussions and accepting of wellness practices. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Many seniors struggle with mental health and wellness. According to the World Health Organization 15 percent of adults aged 60 and over have at least one mental disorder. The National Council on Aging uses an even higher figure: 25 percent of older adults experience mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. Unfortunately, two-thirds (66 percent) don’t get the treatment they need. Common mental health issues for seniors Mental health issues seniors facing are more complex for the following reasons: They may have suffered the loss of spouses or other family members, be physically compromised, or feel pessimistic about the future. Regardless of these circumstances, leaning about mental health issues can help you improve your mental well-being, or perhaps take the first step toward seeking help from a doctor or mental health professional. The most common mental health conditions seniors face are anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Anxiety Anxiety is prevalent among seniors for all the previously stated reasons: loss, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, and physical deterioration. If you have experienced anxiety and panic attacks – which have physical symptoms, like chest pain, a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fear- it's possible you didn’t understand why. Anxiety is tooted in fear, but it’s not always logical. The onset of anxiety can also cause by an event, such as a fall or loss of a loved one. If you’re experiencing anxiety, know that you are not alone and it’s okay. In some cases, therapy and/ or medication can help. Support resources: Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Anxiety in Older Adults: Mental Health America (MHA) Anxiety and Suppression Support Group- Health Unlocked Depression The cause of depression can be the same as for anxiety: isolation, loss, uncertainty, and physical struggles. However, it’s important to understand that depression is a condition, just like diabetes and hearing loss are conditions. Depression spoils your enjoyment of and participation in things that used to make you happy. It can start, for example, after the loss of a loved one, but it may become chronic and stay with you for a long period of time. Support resources If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing depression, the following resources may be able to help: * Older adults and depression – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) * Find a therapist – Psychology Today Dementia Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by physical changes in the brain. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, but there are many kinds. The symptoms of dementia include short-term memory problems, such as misplacing things like a purse or keys, not able to manage finances, struggling to plan and prepare meals, forgetting appointments, or getting disoriented in places that used to be familiar. Dementia can be difficult for both, the person suffering from it, but also for that person’s carer, who is constantly faced with decisions about what the person can and cannot do on their own. Support resources If you think that you or a loved one has dementia, begin with talking to your doctor. You can also contact one of the Alzheimer's Association support resources: * Community Resource Finder
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mental health, anxiety, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's,
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