May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is a vibrant time of year with graduations, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. Sometimes, however, finding a sense of joy in everyday living proves difficult; in fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) says depression and anxiety are the most common mental health challenges seniors face. For this reason, we recognize the importance of Mental Health Awareness month—and the availability of specialized care to help those in need.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), each stage of life presents unique coping concerns. The prevalence of anxiety among young adults aged 18 to 25, for example, has been increasing in recent years—but not for the same reasons that anxiety affects older adults. Understanding the specific mental healthcare needs of seniors is essential when seeking help. But what are some of the mental health challenges specific to seniors? How to know when to look for help? Are there measures we can take to protect our mental health? And how can we find the expert professional help we or a loved one may need?

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S., says the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a nonprofit working to promote awareness and education and provide support for mental health. Adapting to life changes and loss are among the most common life events that can result in mental health concerns for seniors.

An article on mental health care for older adults in the scholarly journal World Psychiatry notes the following additional contributing factors to mental health challenges faced by older adults:

• Ageism, or discrimination against older people because of negative and inaccurate stereotypes [American Psychological Association (APA) definition]
• Neurocognitive disorders (dementia; decline in cognitive skills)
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Substance use disorder

The WHO’s Global Health Estimates put depression and anxiety as the two most common mental illnesses, affecting 5 to 7% of the worldwide population of those over the age of 60, with about 14% of older adults living with a mental disorder. According to The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, more than 20% of Americans over 55 struggle with mental health problems.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes the following signs that we or a senior loved one may need mental health care for depression:

• Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
• Personal or family history of depression
• Moving or speaking more slowly
• Engagement in high-risk behaviors

Some general signs among the elderly of possible need for mental health care:

• Mood, energy level, sleeping, or appetite/weight changes
• Feelings of stress, anger, or irritability
• Ongoing headaches, difficulty concentrating

Fortunately, there is much we can do to care for our mental health. Awareness of personal tendencies, family histories, and the specific vulnerabilities older adults face as part of the aging process can prepare us for mental health challenges. According to the NIMH, our emotional, psychological, and social well-being fall under the larger umbrella of overall mental health. The following are specific ways we can protect ourselves from mental illness.

Protecting our physical health is an excellent starting point, says the NIMH, adding that our doctor can provide us with personalized mental health resources. The strong connection between physical and mental health supports caring for our physical bodies as a way to stay healthy and strong mentally.

Staying active helps us take care of our physical wellbeing, but exercise also plays an essential role in our mental health, elevating our mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving the quality of our sleep.

The fuel we use to nourish our bodies directly affects how we think, feel, and interact with others. The Mental Health Foundation states that eating regularly, staying hydrated, choosing a healthy balance of fats, including whole grains, protein, and fruits and vegetables in our diets can help us feel better. Understanding that caffeine consumption can contribute to feelings of panic and anxiety can also be helpful, says the American Psychological Association (APA).

Research indicates that our time spent sleeping allows the brain to cleanse and repair itself as well as process emotional information. According to the nonprofit National Sleep Foundation, striving to maintain good “sleep hygiene,” or a regular schedule that optimizes our opportunity for sleep, will keep us feeling more alert and aware.

Social engagement is also critical to our mental wellbeing; in fact, the scholarly journal Aging and Mental Health says having a social network can actually protect against depression. Taking advantage of opportunities for getting together not only improves our mood but also leads to more physical and cognitive engagement via walking, playing cards, or dancing.

The NIH, WHO, and APA cite a growing body of research showing that having a sense of “life purpose” brings a host of physical and mental health benefits, including improved cognitive function and enhanced sense of overall wellbeing. In addition, seniors who see meaning in their lives are less likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.

According to the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, the aging process involves transitions that have the potential to leave us feeling vulnerable. Being aware of these life changes and how they can affect our bodies and our emotions can better prepare us to respond with resilience, or an ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

The Mayo Clinic expands on this concept of resilience, calling it “Mental Fitness,” and suggests additional ways to cultivate our mental health:

• Prioritize caring for mental health by finding time for exercise, adequate sleep, and nutrition
• Create a network of supportive friends and family members
• Learn how to bounce back from failures, thinking of the process as “brain training”
• Seek out a sense of realistic optimism, confronting challenges rather than avoiding them
• Engage in purposeful activities rich in personal value and meaning

By being proactive, we can respond with wisdom and insight to life’s challenges, promoting healthy resilience, prioritizing our mental wellbeing, and aging well.

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry stresses the importance of accurate, timely diagnoses of potential mental illness. Fortunately, older adults today are less likely to feel stigmatized by mental illness and more likely to be aware of and acknowledge it and respond by accessing services. Viewing treatment as a way to promote and prolong independence is a strong motivator to seek help. Equally important is the recognition that depression and anxiety are not normal parts of aging can help encourage those in need to find help.

The NIH adds that treatment, even for severe depression, is effective and available, noting that some medications and medical conditions can bring on symptoms of depression. A physical exam, personal health history, and lab testing can help one’s doctor eliminate potential causes of depression—and provide a referral to a mental health professional specializing in older adults if needed.

The journal World Psychiatry suggests multidisciplinary team care for neurocognitive disorders, major depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. A team approach provides comprehensive assessment, clinical management, intensive outreach, and coordination of mental, physical and social health services for seniors in need of care.

It’s clear that proactive living that provides for all facets of wellness, including physical activity, nutritious food, social activities, opportunities for living with meaning and purpose, and superior medical care, improves not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing.

Come explore Plymouth Harbor and learn more about this extraordinary community where the care and happiness of our residents is priority one. Call 941-365-2600 to schedule your private tour and discover why life truly is better on Sarasota Bay!