How to recognize and address mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
It was during a regular weekly visit to her mother when Judy sensed the alarm bells in her mind turn on. First, it was unlike her mother to leave the thermos of fresh butternut squash soup untouched, but she would have written that off as the result of a late breakfast. When the conversation moved toward the upcoming wedding of Judy’s son, however, and her mother shrugged and then muttered: “I don’t think anybody really wants the old grandma to attend”, her shoulders grew tense.
This was a clear indication that something was going on.
But what was it?
Unsure if her mother’s melancholy was due to a new medication, lack of sleep, or a serious mental ailment, Judy resolved to discuss these symptoms with her mother’s Primary Care Provider at their next visit.
Are Seniors at an increased risk for mental health issues?
Because major life changes, such as retirement, the loss of a loved one, or one’s independence, are bound to bring about feelings of sadness, uneasiness, and stress, seniors are often a step closer to developing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Judy’s decision is a highly recommended one – although, unfortunately, not popular.
Because the health history and medication regimen of seniors is often complex, checking warning signs with their ongoing care provider is always a better option than opting for the convenience of an urgent care center.
Symptoms are Real. Treatment can Help.
It is true that elderly adults are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Still, it is important to discern that, despite this risk, depression and anxiety should not be considered a normal part of aging.
Most of us are acquainted with elderly individuals who are aging amidst happy moments and overall satisfaction about their current lives, despite the common physical difficulties they live with.
According to the CDC, the percentage of aging adults suffering from major depression is:
- ● Less than 1%-5% of the elderly living in the community
- ● 13.5% of seniors who require home healthcare
- ● 11.5% of the older hospitalized patients.
In the event that your aging loved one displays signs of one or both of these mental illnesses, it’s important to remember that these symptoms are just as real as physical ailments, and a variety of treatment options exist.
What are the signs of Depression and Anxiety?
Depression
In contrast to experiencing ‘the blues’, the symptoms of Depression typically persist for weeks at a time and include:
- ● Hopeless feelings, thoughts, and expressions
- ● Restlessness, fatigue, and decreased energy
- ● Overeating or loss of appetite
- ● Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities
- ● Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to seek an accurate diagnosis, especially because older adults are often undiagnosed due to the mistaken belief that these reactions to life changes are ‘normal’.
Trust your instinct if you feel that what your loved one is experiencing should not be ignored. Advocate for them and seek the advice of a competent medical professional, preferably one who knows him/her.
Anxiety
Below are some of the common symptoms of anxiety, the most popular mental illness the senior population suffers from. Often, anxiety can be a side-effect of medication or insomnia – another common senior ailment.
- ● Avoiding activities typically enjoyed
- ● Insomnia
- ● Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
- ● Getting alarmed easily
- ● Intrusive thoughts
- ● Trembling, sweating, or racing heart
- ● Headaches and/or stomachaches
The most common symptom of anxiety is having extreme and uncontrollable worries that are not in sync with reality.
Quality of Life. At every Stage.
As is always the case with mental health symptoms – when interfering with one’s daily functioning, they should not be ignored.
Life should be enjoyed at every age and stage, and with the help of the modern treatment options available, it really can.