{"id":1079,"date":"2016-11-07T12:06:44","date_gmt":"2016-11-07T17:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/?p=1079"},"modified":"2016-10-28T17:20:52","modified_gmt":"2016-10-28T21:20:52","slug":"mental-health-awareness-for-older-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/mental-health-awareness-for-older-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Awareness for Older Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>\"Palmer<\/a><\/p>\n

Alice Pomidor, MD, MPH, AGSF<\/strong><\/span>
\nProfessor<\/strong><\/span>
\nFlorida State University School of Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Palmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, AGSF<\/strong><\/span>
\nHelen W. and Thomas L. Umphlet Distinguished Professor in Aging<\/strong><\/span>
\nUNC\u00a0School of Nursing<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Many of today\u2019s older adults grew up during a time when mental health problems were not as well understood as they are today. People didn\u2019t discuss problems like depression, for example, and many people considered mental health issues as \u201cweaknesses\u201d that could be cured by simply improving one\u2019s attitude.<\/p>\n

Now, of course, we understand that good mental health and good physical health are equally important to our well-being. Experts understand that mental health challenges are treatable. You can improve the quality of your life, or that of an older adult you care for, by making sure healthcare professionals address any potential mental health issues.<\/p>\n

Mental Health Problems: Common Among Older Adults<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among adults aged 65 and older, about one in five have a mental disorder, including dementia.\u00a0\u00a0 Over 50% of people living in long-term care facilities have some form of cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n

Other common mental health problems that affect older adults include anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n

Even though older adults commonly have mental health issues, they are less likely than younger adults to receive treatment for them. When they do receive treatment, it\u2019s also less likely for them to see a mental health specialist. More often, older adults seek mental health treatment from their primary care providers.<\/p>\n

Mental Health Problems and Older Adults<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anxiety and anxiety disorders<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> All of us can relate to feeling anxious\u2014a work problem, a major life decision, or a health problem can make you feel temporarily worried and anxious. But for older adults with anxiety disorders, that nervous feeling doesn\u2019t disappear when the problem is resolved. Some 15% of older adults\u2014women more frequently than men\u2014can experience anxiety. However, anxiety disorders are less common for older adults than younger adults, and developing anxiety later in life is not a normal part of aging.<\/p>\n

Depression<\/strong><\/a>. We all experience sadness from time to time\u2014it\u2019s a normal part of life. However, depression, the most common of all mood disorders, isn\u2019t simply a passing case of the blues. You can\u2019t just \u201csnap out of\u201d depression. Depression can affect your daily activities, and can cause long term sadness, anger, and frustration. It can interfere with your sleep and can make you feel hopeless. It can also drain your energy, affect your ability to work, and can even damage your relationships with others. Severely depressed people are at risk for suicide.<\/p>\n

Of older adults who commit suicide, an estimated 75% were likely to be clinically depressed.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Major Depression<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can have major depression<\/a> without realizing it. If you or the person you are caring for have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, call your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. Call right away if there are frequent crying spells for no reason, or if depression is disrupting work or family life.<\/p>\n

Symptoms include:<\/p>\n