According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15 percent
of all adults over theage of 60 experience some kind of mental health problem.
None of these issues are considered by professionals to be normal
parts of aging. Nor are they anything to be ashamed of. They are
real conditions that can often be successfully treated or managed
by getting professional help.
Some of the most common mental health issues in the elderly and
senior population include:
Depression—Older adults have a heightened risk
of depression, which makes this one of the most important issues in the field
of geriatric mental health.
Anxiety disorders—All of us
have fears and temporary worries. But some people have feelings of anxiety that
don't go away or that consistently get triggered in certain kinds of situations.
As a result, they may have trouble doing normal activities.
Dementia—Most people are aware of Alzheimer's
disease, but it's important to knowhat several other forms of dementia exist as
well. They can cause a person's memory to deteriorate and lead to other
symptoms such as confusion, personality changes, erratic behavior, and
communication difficulties. Some professionals prefer to classify dementia as a
brain disorder rather than as a mental illness.
Delirium—This temporary mental condition is
mostly experienced by elderly people who've been hospitalized for a separate
medical issue .It's usually characterized by sudden symptoms like confusion, an
inability to focus, or a spike or rapid decrease in body movement.
Risk Factors for Seniors
Medical problems—A wide
variety of medical conditions and chronic use of some medicines can contribute
to the development of mental health issues such as depression.
Loss of independence—When
seniors lose their ability to fully take care of themselves on a daily basis,
they can be at a higher risk of experiencing setbacks to their mental well-being.
Loss of close friends or family members—It's
normal and necessary to grieve forthose we love and care about when they pass
away. But many seniors experience more grieving than younger people as they
begin to lose more of their long-time friends, partners, or spouses.
A drop in economic status—For many
seniors, retirement requires a simpler lifestyle than they're used to, which
often means engaging in different activities or moving into new residential
settings. The impacts of those changes can be compounded if they have any
disabilities that require even bigger adjustments to their living situations.
Loneliness or social isolation—Older
adults are often more prone to feelings of
abandonment or isolation as a result of disabilities, medical
problems, the loss of people in their lives, or other factors. And those
feelings have been shown to contribute to thedevelopment of depression and
other mental health problems.
Periods of heightened stress—Life is
full of common stressors. But anything that causes more stress than normal—or
that causes prolonged stress—can play a
significant role in the development of a mental health issue.
Examples include stressors such as traumatic events, taking care of a
chronically or terminally ill loved one, or major changes to finances,
important relationships, or living circumstances.
Elder abuse or neglect—The WHO
says that about 17 percent of all seniors experience some kind of elder abuse.
Some seniors are emotionally, physically, psychologically, sexually, or
financially abused—often by people they know or trust. The result is a loss of dignity
that, for obvious reasons, can lead to various types of mental health
challenges.
Poor nutrition—Regardless
of whether it's by choice or due to neglect or financial reasons, having a poor
diet can deprive a person of the vital nutrients that are necessary for a
healthy brain and mind.
Family history—For some
people, genetics play a contributing role in their mental health. A
predisposition to certain mental disorders can be passed on from one generation
to the next, which means that some people are at higher risk than others based
on nothing more than their family histories.
Common Warning Signs
When it comes to seniors (and mental health issues that might be
affecting them), warning signs may include things such as:
·
Sad or hopeless feelings that last more than a
couple of weeks
·
Unusual changes to mood, appetite, or energy
levels
·
Persistent sleeping difficulties or
over-sleeping
·
Persistent troubles with concentration
·
Restlessness or feelings of being
"on-edge"
·
Decreased ability to cope with everyday stress
·
Heightened irritability, hostility, or anger
·
High-risk behaviors or actions that scare
other people
·
Persistent worrying about relationships or
health or financial matters
·
Obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions that
disrupt normal day-to-day living
·
A sense of emotional numbness
·
Confusion in familiar settings or recurring
difficulties with memory
·
Heavier-than-normal alcohol consumption
·
Excessive consumption of prescribed
medications
·
Persistent pain, headaches, or issues with
digestion
·
Suicidal thinking
If you or somebody you love is displaying warning signs like those
above, seek professional help right away. The earlier you get assistance, the
more effective any treatment is likely to be.
Prevention & Treatment
·
Get help immediately if you're in distress
·
Make a lifestyle changes for better living
·
Eat a healthy diet
·
Stay physically active
·
Maintain good sleeping habits
·
Exercise your mind
·
Take care of medical issues right away
· Get the support of friends and family.
st Stay engaged in some activities