For elderly and seniors, the month of April is national “Stress Awareness Month” and a good time to take stock of your mental health.
A person’s mental health centers around their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Elderly people and seniors are like everyone else whose mental health affects how they feel, act, think, make decisions and interact with other people. Having good mental health is vital to a person’s good overall health and enjoyment of their life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 15% of all adults over age 60 have a mental health problem. Those numbers may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts say.
Experts identify several common mental health issues for the elderly and senior population. These include:
—Depression: Seniors and elderly who are depressed may feel consistently “low.” Enjoyment in life is hard for them. They may struggle with guilt, anger, shame, emptiness, hopelessness, and other similar feelings. It’s important to recognize chronic depression. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
—Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many people in the senior and elderly population have experienced loss, a dangerous event, and even shock. They may still struggle with their feelings around those events and be triggered by something that helps them recall those moments. Even in safe situations, such as the comfort of an assisted living facility, they may struggle with PTSD.
—Bipolar disorder: Symptoms include changes in a person’s mood and behavior. They may have manic episodes, which could be felling really good or depressive episodes in which they’re overcome by sadness, helplessness, or a general “down” feeling. They may struggle to do daily activities.
—Addiction: An addiction may be overlooked by friends, family, or caregivers, but they may be common in seniors and elderly who have many medications or struggle with substance abuse problems.
—Anxiety disorders: These are ongoing continuous struggles with anxiety that may grow worse over time. For seniors and the elderly, common forms of anxiety include social anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Dementia: Forms of dementia can cause memory deterioration and lead to other symptoms. These include personality changes, difficulty communicating, erratic behavior, and personality changes. Dementia can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life.
By getting professional help, seniors and the elderly can treat and manage these conditions. They’re nothing to be ashamed of and none of them are considered to be “normal” parts of aging.
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