Overcoming older adults’ mental health issues

Many people nearing retirement age and those who are already retired are dealing with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world’s adults 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. Depression, however, is often undiagnosed among seniors and remains untreated because it co-occurs with other issues.

In the past, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have acknowledged that late life anxiety was not readily understood. However, much progress has been made in recent years thanks to a heightened awareness of the problem of seniors and mental health. That means older adults now have ample resources they can use and learn how to safeguard their mental health.

The National Institute of Mental Health notes that recognizing the signs of mental health issues is the first step to getting treatment. Mental health issues vary, and people with anxiety will likely experience different symptoms than those with depression.

The following are some of the warning signs of mental health issues:

• Noticeablechangesinmood, energy level, or appetite.

• Feelingflatorhavingtrouble feeling positive emotions.

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or on edge.

• Increased worry or feeling stressed.

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness.

• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain.

• Misuse of alcohol or drugs.

• Sadness or hopelessness.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Engaging in risky activities.

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior.

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with family, or social life.

• Engaging in thinking or behavior that is concerning to others.

• Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel.

Growing awareness of mental health issues and how they affect older adults has translated to more available resources. People can visit National Institute of Mental Health at www. nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help

for contact information of various groups that can help in times of mental health crises.

The National Institute on Aging notes that most cases of depression can be prevented. Healthy lifestyle changes, for example, can have long term benefits on older adults’ mental health. They are:

• Being physically active.

• Eatingahealthydietthatcan reduce risk for diseases that can bring on disability and depression.

• Getting adequate sleep, which for older adults is between 7-9 hours per night.

• Remaining socially active, including regular contact with friends and family.

• Sharing mental issues or concerns with friends, family members and a primary care physician.

—MetroCreativeConnection