Did you know that 20% of adults over 50 experience issues with their mental health? It’s not as commonly known as it should be, and some of the most common concerns include depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that can lead to severe cognitive impairment. Mental health concerns are not just for younger people, and there is a growing problem among seniors who are dealing with poor mental health.
The worrisome thing is that more often than not, mental health conditions are undiagnosed in seniors, which can make it problematic if left untreated. This can affect their quality of life, their ability to think freely, support themselves, and feel happy in day to day life. It’s vital that we understand the signs of mental health concerns in seniors so that we can get them the support they need as early as possible. Improving quality of life is so important, and that means improving understanding.
How Age and Mental Health Problems Correlate
There are plenty of aspects of life that adjust and change as we age, meaning you can expect that age can have an impact on mental health. These are the following factors that can have a lasting impact on mental health:
- Retirement. As some seniors reach retirement, instead of feeling excited for the slower pace in life, they find it hard to adjust. Retirees often face new lifestyle changes they aren’t ready to accept. These changes can cause stress, and this stress can lead to depression and other mental health problems.
- Health conditions. There are health conditions out there that can lead to the development of mental health issues. We know that seniors are often likely to deal with significant health issues, and these can include lack of mobility, arthritis, along with age-related macular degeneration.
- Isolation. As we age, friends and family members pass away, and widowhood is a real possibility. A smaller social circle can mean a bigger risk for depression and loneliness, and this isolation can send anyone spiraling into poor mental health.
- Abuse. It’s an unfortunate reality that some seniors in aged care homes deal with elderly targeted abuse. In some cases, the abuse can come from family members in their own homes. This can be emotional, physical, verbal, and financial, too.
Common Mental Health Problems in Seniors
Some mental health issues are more prevalent in seniors than in others, and these include:
Dementia
It’s a common disorder among seniors, and it seems to affect people younger and younger the more we observe these symptoms. With the help of an early-onset dementia care facility, dementia can be managed, but unfortunately it cannot be cured.
Depression
Depression is not just for young people. It’s actually the most common mental health disorder in seniors, and it’s an illness that can lead to long-term mood changes and a lack of interest in activities, food, and general socialization. It’s fortunate, then, that depression is highly treatable, but it’s important to realize that seniors will often choose not to go to the doctor for fear of further diagnosis.
Anxiety
The second most common mental health disorder in adults is anxiety. It covers specific diagnoses like social anxiety disorder or phobias, and it can also cover obsessive compulsive disorders. Anxiety can lead to other physical health symptoms, such as dizziness, a racing heart, and digestive issues. Seniors are more likely to report the physical symptoms they experience rather than the emotional ones, too, so it’s vital to learn whether anything else is occuring. Feelings of anxiety are normal in some situations, and anxiety becomes a mental health concern when it’s persistent over a long period of time.
Bipolar disorder
A mental health concern that causes unusual shifts in mood is bipolar disorder. It’s not as common in elderly people as depression and anxiety, but it can be harmful if left untreated. Those who have bipolar disorder need to be treated when noticeable symptoms arise. This can be addressed through medication to create a balance in their mood. During periods of mania, seniors could experience euphoria and elation in exaggerated amounts. The swing to the lows is just as extreme, coinciding with crippling depression.
Some health professionals often mistake bipolar disorder for dementia and other cognitive issues. It becomes confusing because seniors who are experiencing mania may talk about things they’re experiencing, but won’t make sense to those around them. This is a lifelong mental illness often diagnosed at a younger age. However, around 10% of cases of bipolar disorder are diagnosed after 50. The encouraging news is that these conditions can be managed correctly and with the right support and treatment.
Getting Help
Mental illnesses can affect seniors emotionally, physically, and cognitively. These are disorders that are difficult to manage, but with the right help and support, they can be managed well. If you’re concerned about your mental health or that of your loved one, the best thing that you can do is seek help as soon as possible. You deserve the chance to spend time with friends and family, partaking in the activities you’ve always loved.
From concerns like dementia to psychosis, you deserve to feel guided and supported with your mental health. Take the time to figure out the best course of treatment and ask for help.
With the help of the right therapists and providers, your mental health can be back on track in no time at all. Getting help today with our Center of Aging can be the best thing that you do to support your mental health this year. Our specialists at Alvarado Parkway Institute are here to help you with your mental health concerns. Don’t wait to get treatment, seek that help you need and call us at (619) 333-7050.
