Mental health is as important for senior citizens as it is for other age groups. Some of the most common mental health issues occurring among older adults are depression, anxiety, grief, and mood disorders.
While such issues are common among older adults, they are not a normal part of aging. One in five older Americans experience mental health concerns as they age, and the majority are undiagnosed and untreated.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are the most common issues seen among older adult patients. About 6 percent of senior citizens have a diagnosable depressive illness. Depression may be common because of the grief that is often experienced as older people begin to lose loved ones and friends.
Anxiety may become more common among older patients as mental or physical abilities are lost, changes in the home occur, or lingering fear about health or finances takes its toll.
Suicide is a Risk Among Older Adults
Older adults have the highest suicide rate in the country, with those aged 85 and over at the highest risk. Suicide attempts among older adults also tend to be more lethal, with one in four resulting in a death compared to one in twenty among other age groups.
Caregivers and family members need to watch for warning signs of serious depression. It is common for people of all ages to avoid seeking help for mental health, and older adults are more likely to seek treatment for physical ailments rather than mental ones.
Doctors may also miss the signs in a patient who is coming in for treatment of a physical issue, or may not address mental health with the patient. It’s crucial to have conversations and to check in on the older adults in your life to make sure they are not suffering in silence.
Warning Signs
Do you know the warning signs that may indicate a serious mood or anxiety disorder? According to the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, some of the warning signs include: difficulty sleeping, increased worry or stress, irritability, aggressiveness, a need for alcohol or drugs, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior, and difficulty concentrating. If you or someone in your life is exhibiting any of these warning signs, it may be time to consult a primary care doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation.
Additional Reading
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health/index.shtml
American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/aging/mental-health.aspx
Resources list for health, wellness, and more: https://oam.acl.gov/resources.html#health
