From the Blog: Mental Health Awareness for Older Adults
Every year throughout the month of May, we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month. But older adults are an often-overlooked age group when it comes to mental illness, even though they make up a significant portion of the American population. With so many people struggling, it’s essential to prioritize mental health awareness for seniors.
Mental Health Issues for Seniors
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or both. Sadly, suicide can be prevalent in this population as older adults may have to navigate grieving the loss of a spouse, receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, or beginning to lose physical and mental function.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Lacking for this Demographic?
Many people assume that depression is a normal part of aging. While your risk for anxiety and depression does increase as you age, there is not a direct correlation between aging and depression.
Because of the common misconception that depression in older adults is normal, many people experiencing symptoms, or their caregivers, do not seek treatment. No matter what age you are, anxiety and depression are clinical conditions that can be treated in a variety of ways to manage symptoms.
Recognizing depression in seniors can be more difficult than with younger people due to a difference in primary symptoms. Most people associate the main symptom of depression with feeling sad, but many older adults mainly experience a feeling of numbness, or lack of desire to participate in activities or express their feelings. Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Low energy/fatigue
- Slow speech or movement
- Difficulty sleeping, which may include sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempt
Treating Depression in Older Adults
If you care for a loved one, don’t ignore these symptoms. Your healthcare provider can determine if the symptoms are due to depression or another condition and talk with you on how to move forward. Treatment for depression may include outpatient counseling with a therapist or medication to manage symptoms. As a caregiver, you know your loved one best; trust your instinct if something doesn’t feel right.
If you are looking for additional information, the SAMHSA website is an excellent resource. In emergency behavioral health situations, the confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day. Help is available, and you are not alone.
Our long-term services include hospice care that’s designed to support seniors and families who are going through trying emotional times. Contact CommuniCare for more information.