Mental health is an important topic we should all be having ongoing conversations about.  Throughout our lifetimes we face different challenges and obstacles. Some of these become more prevalent and recurring with age. Mental health awareness is important for all people of all ages, but today we’ll be discussing the importance of it in the context of Seniors.

Why is mental health awareness important?

Have you ever told a story about something you’ve been through, something that has heavily affected you and even caused you challenges? Perhaps it could’ve been a breakup or the loss of a loved one. When you share those stories you might discover that you aren’t alone in those experiences or feelings, and you’ll feel validated and reassured. The same can be said when being open about your mental health struggles. When we are vulnerable it allows other people to comfort us or encourage others to also be courageous with their stories and struggles. Raising awareness helps to reduce stigma, or shame, surrounding the topic of mental health. Things like therapy or medication have long been considered taboo in the world of mental health treatment, but with the rise of mental health advocacy and awareness, the feelings of shame surrounding the topic are lessening. 

What are some mental health concerns for seniors?

Mental health is important at every stage of life, and it is crucial for seniors. The two main areas of mental health concern regarding seniors include both mental health issues and neurological illnesses. Mental health concerns include mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. If mental health issues persist the symptoms coinciding can be managed with therapy, medication, or both. Neurological illnesses include neuropathy, dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. These illnesses can aggravate existing mental health issues or cause new ones.

As we age, we are bound to experience different phases and changes in life. These changes can impact our mental health and make it difficult to cope. Certain life changes 

such as a medical diagnosis or losing a loved one can cause feelings of depression, despair, and anxiety. Many can adjust and cope with life’s changes but some find it hard to adjust to a new normal. Oftentimes people deal with ongoing symptoms in silence, too afraid to ask for help. When going through challenging times we might find ourselves prone to self-isolation instead of seeking comfort and solace, and while everyone copes differently, we don’t need to do it alone. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeing a healthcare provider are the first steps to getting treatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). 

Over the last few generations, there has been a stark change in society. We now live in a digital age where people can work, shop, and practically live online. This has played a role in creating what is now known as the “loneliness epidemic”. Because of this, we can often find ourselves isolated and alienated from our loved ones and our community. Humans are meant to interact with one another, and the shortage of face-to-face interaction exacerbates feelings of loneliness. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day. We are missing a vital part of life – connection. The importance of community and connection with our loved ones may often be overlooked when it comes to mental health but it’s a very important factor. Without connection to others, no one would be healthy.

Mental health is measured by our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health affects every aspect of our life, our motivation, how we handle everyday stressors, and the choices we make. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. 

Some mental health warning signs include:

• Changes in mood
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Being withdrawn, often from activities once enjoyed
• Feeling numb or as though nothing matters
• Feeling sadness or hopelessness
• Anger and irritability
• Getting lost in places they are familiar with
• Becoming easily confused about the date or time
• Failing to take care of themselves, such as: by not adequately eating or properly bathing

How to cope, foster resilience, and find the courage to seek help:

For those struggling with mental health issues finding the proper resources to help is vital. When treating depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns medical professionals can help determine the best course of action for you and your symptoms. You will likely be recommended therapy, medication, or a combination of both. As mental and physical health go hand in hand there can often be other external issues that should also be addressed by your doctor. While it may take some time for you or your loved one to find the right care, it’s worth it! Taking care of yourself and those around you is an act of love, don’t give up on finding the right treatment for you. Seeking help can often be stigmatized but it is an act of self-love and bravery, you show great courage when you step out to ask for help in any area of life, but especially mental health.

Self-care is a vital aspect of mental health and it can help us to better cope with symptoms we might be feeling. 

Self-Care Tips:

• Stay connected – staying connected can help provide you with strong and lasting friendships and support when you need it most.
• Create something to look forward to – whether that be a movie to go see in theaters or coffee with a friend, plan things to look forward to.
• Don’t lose hope – You may be struggling, but you won’t struggle forever. Our mental health changes every day and we are allowed to have bad days, but that doesn’t mean good days aren’t still waiting around the corner.
• Take care of yourself – Take care of yourself in the most basic ways. Feed yourself, bathe yourself, get enough sleep, and do your best, because your best will always be enough.
• Be proactive – Don’t ignore your problems, be aware of them and figure out how to handle them. Whether it be anxiety or loss, you can recover from it in time.

When we embrace the hardships of life and don’t shy away from adversity it helps build our coping skills and emotional intelligence. When we build a network of support around us and practice self-care, we are building our resilience to better deal with difficulties in the future.

Mental health tips:

• Keep medical records
• Sort medicines and keep track of when they’ve been taken
• Keep track of your symptoms and note any new ones
• Check in with a trusted individual often and stay connected to those around you
• Stay active – exercise, practice mindfulness and meditation, or other relaxing activities such as stretching and pilates 
• Have fun! During hard times we are still allowed to have fun and enjoy life. Play games, go see a movie, learn something new, partake in a beloved hobby, get a pet, volunteer, or read a book. Do something that will give your mind a break and embrace the joyous moments life has to offer. 

The journey of mental health recovery is never linear, so be kind to yourself and remember that you are worthy and deserving of help and care. You are not alone!

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling

Sources:

Aging and mental health: Dementia, depression, and more | McLean hospital. (n.d.). https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/older-adult 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, December 23). How to build resiliency. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/resilience-training/in-depth/resilience/art-20046311#:~:text=Resilience%20can%20help%20protect%20you,can%20help%20you%20cope%20better. 

New APA poll: One in three Americans feels lonely every week. Psychiatry.org – New APA Poll: One in Three Americans Feels Lonely Every Week. (2024, January 30). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e#:~:text=The%20latest%20Healthy%20Minds%20Monthly,they%20are%20lonely%20every%20day. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Older adults and Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health