No matter what stage of life you are in, behavioral health and mental health are important considerations. Contrary to popular belief, behavioral health concerns affect people of all ages – not just teenagers or young adults. In fact, there is a set of mental health considerations that are specifically pressing for older adults.
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we provide caring and compassionate behavioral health care for clients of all ages and from all walks of life. No matter your starting point, we are here to help you live your most fulfilling life. We will work with you to formulate an individualized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and gives you the resources to find the positives and enjoy your day-to-day experiences.
Now, let’s dive into some behavioral health considerations for the older adults among us. Are older adults still affected by mental health? What mental health concerns are most prevalent in seniors? When is it time for seniors to get help with behavioral health struggles? We’ll answer all of these questions and more…
What Are the Most Common Mental Health Conditions for Older Adults?
Here’s a statistic that might surprise you: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder that affects their everyday lives. The most common mental health conditions for older adults are depression and anxiety. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that loneliness and social isolation are big risk factors for mental health concerns in older adults.
Mental health concerns are known to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in older adults. Why? There are a plethora of different hypotheses, but we do not know the answers for sure. Some researchers postulate that the taboo around seeking help for mental health concerns may be strong in older populations. Others believe it can be difficult to differentiate mental health concerns like anxiety from other ailments that senior citizens may be suffering from, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
However, underdiagnosing mental health issues in seniors is a major problem in our current healthcare landscape. As we noted previously, 14% of senior citizens have diagnosed mental health problems. That’s actually significantly less than the rate for the general population of adults, which is about 20% according to research from Mental Health America.
It is also worth noting that although adults over 60 make up 17% of the U.S. population, according to data from Statista, a shocking 27% of suicides occur in people 60 and over, a fraction that is disproportionate when consider population size as a whole.
While these statistics might seem to paint a bleak picture of mental health care for seniors in the United States, it is important to understand the necessity of increasing care opportunities for adults at every age and every chapter in life. With that in mind, let’s talk about some ways to support yourself or the seniors in your life with finding fulfillment and holistic health.
Mental Health Programs for Seniors
There are a number of initiatives in place to support seniors who are looking for behavioral and mental health care. Federal government programs have goals including…
Reducing financial insecurity and income inequality as the population ages
Ensuring safe and accessible housing and transportation support
Supporting both older adults and their caregivers
Educating the population about healthy behaviors including eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and reducing (or abstaining from) tobacco and alcohol use
Reaching out to vulnerable groups such as those who live alone, those who live in remote areas, and those living with a chronic health condition
It’s also important to remember that there are many local programs, such as our support systems at Triumph Behavioral Health. Our team of licensed behavioral health practitioners serves the area in and around Baltimore County, Maryland. We are here to help clients of any age as they look to lead more fulfilling lives and get help with behavioral issues and mental health challenges.
Want to meet the team you’ll be speaking with? Say hello to our providers right here!
When Is It Time to Get Help?
There is never a bad time to reach out if you or someone that you love is struggling with their mental health. Stay on the lookout for warning signs and symptoms such as the following…
Symptoms of Mental Disorders in Older Adults
Changes in mood, appetite, or energy level
Trouble sleeping (either sleeping too much or not sleeping enough)
Feeling excessive worry or stress
Trouble concentrating or feeling restless
Difficulty feeling positive emotions or a “flat” emotional state
Increased levels of anger, irritability, or aggression
Misuse of alcohol or drugs
Feeling sad or hopeless
Thoughts of death or suicide
Obsessive thinking or other compulsive behavior
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that other people do not (could be a sign of schizophrenia)
Thoughts or behaviors that are concerning to others
High-risk or adrenaline-seeking activities
If you believe that any of these signs and symptoms apply to you or someone you know, do not hesitate to get help. There are many emergency and ongoing resources to support you.
If you or anyone you know is exhibiting suicidal thoughts or ideation, call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at any time. That line is open 24/7, and you will be quickly connected with a licensed counselor or healthcare professional who is here to support you.
Get the Support You Need in Maryland
Are you a resident of Maryland? Do you live in or around Towson, Linthicum Heights, Catonsville, or Arbutus? At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are here to help patients find a therapist in Baltimore County or a therapist in Howard County. We are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages, no matter your situation.
If you think you may need or want support with your mental health, it is never too early to reach out. Let’s talk today, and we will help you kickstart your journey to living a better, healthier life. At Triumph, we care.