Behavioral Health Articles
Mind Your Mental Health
by Carol Deloff
The number of older adults in the U.S. is increasing rapidly, and so are their needs for long-term mental health services. Seven million people overage 65 (20 percent of the older adult population) have a psychiatric illness; that number is expected to double to 15 million in the next three decades.
Mental Health. It’s how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect your life. Good mental health leads to a positive self-image and is an essential part of each person’s overall health and wellness. At times we all face challenges that test us and put our mental health at risk. When our mental health is poor, it can play a role in the development of other health issues.
Take depression for instance. Everyone feels the blues now and then. It is a part of life. But depression is not a normal part of aging. Being down in the dumps over a period of time can indicate a serious problem. Depression in seniors affects about 6 million Americans, but only 10% receive treatment. Many people are afraid of seeking treatment for a number of reasons: they do not want family and friends to think they are mentally ill for fear of being “put away,” or they think they are just getting old, or that there is no treatment.
There is no one cause of depression. For some people, a single event can bring on the illness. Depression often strikes people who felt fine but who suddenly have to deal with a death in the family or serious illness. For others, changes in brain chemistry can affect mood and cause depression. Sometimes those under a lot of stress, like caregivers, feel depressed. Others become depressed for no clear reason.
How do you know when you need help? After all, as you age, you may have to face problems that could cause anyone to feel "depressed." Perhaps you are dealing with the death of a loved one. Maybe you are having a tough time getting used to retirement and you feel lonely. Possibly you have a chronic illness or feel like you have lost control over your life.
After a period of sadness, older people usually adjust and regain emotional balance. But if you are suffering from clinical depression and don't get help, your depression might last for weeks, months, or even years. Here is a list of the most common signs of depression. If you have several of these, and they last more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, anxiety
- Tiredness, lack of energy
- Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, including sex
- Sleep problems, including trouble getting to sleep, very early morning waking, sleeping too much
- Eating more or less than usual
- Crying too often or too much
- Aches and pains that don't go away when treated
- A hard time focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling guilty, helpless, worthless, or hopeless
- Being irritable
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
If you are a family member, friend, or health care provider of an older person, watch for clues. Sometimes depression hides behind a smiling face. A depressed person living alone may appear to feel better when someone stops by to say hello. The symptoms may seem to go away. But, when someone is very depressed, the symptoms usually come back.
Don't ignore warning signs. Mental illness is treatable. Different therapies seem to work for different people. Talk to your physician or mental health worker. There are many local resources available. Remember depression is not a normal part of aging. By caring for your mental health and getting help when you need it, you can enjoy life at any age.
Carol Deloff is Director of the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging.