Caring for your mental health is important no matter your age or season of life. While there are some mental health concerns and behavioral health challenges that persist for people of all ages, there is a specific set of issues that are common in senior members of the population.
Today, let’s take a look at common mental disorders in elderly individuals so that seniors, caretakers, and family members know what to look for. We will dive deeper into geriatric mental illness in order to paint a broad picture of the diverse ways in which behavioral health concerns impact individuals over the age of sixty.
Common Mental Disorders in Elderly Populations
Did you know that 1 in 4 older adults experiences struggles with their mental health? While there are a range of different disorders that individuals experience, the most common health problems in elderly groups are depression, dementia, and anxiety. Many people wonder why these three ailments are so prevalent in the senior citizen population.
Older adults experience a unique set of mental health concerns and have a specialized set of healthcare needs. People over sixty may be going through transitions in life, including relocating, empty nesting, the death of loved ones, and physical changes brought about by aging. These changes can be tough for those who are already dealing with behavioral health concerns and may also spur new mental health struggles in certain individuals.
Among all adults, those aged 85 and over exhibit the highest rates of suicide. This unfortunate statistic highlights the importance of geriatric mental health care and the prevalence of psychological problems in old age. No matter your years, it is important to look out for the older people in your life – whether that is your peers, your grandparents, other family members, or older friends and coworkers.
Aging brings with it a unique set of challenges, and it is important to understand how these physical and emotional developments play into increased risks of mental health challenges and even suicide. For instance, many people over the age of sixty report experiencing social isolation and loneliness, which can in turn contribute to depression.
Supporting Mental Health for Seniors
While mental health for seniors may stem from a unique set of factors, the good news is that more often than not, the symptoms are treatable. Like people of any age who are struggling with their mental health, seniors can find local geriatric mental health care providers in their area.
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a Maryland wellness center and a team of nurse practitioner therapists located in the Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Linthicum Heights, Arbutus, Catonsville, and Towson areas. We are committed to helping clients of any age and from any walk of life enjoy a fulfilling time on Earth. One of our specialties? Geriatric mental health care near me.
If you are struggling with your mental health, there IS a path forward. Therapy for seniors has proven to be an effective tactic in dealing with many behavioral health challenges. In fact, the benefits of psychotherapy remain strong for patients at any age. When you work with a licensed behavioral health care provider, you may also be able to explore the benefits of medication for mental health. For disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and even attention disorders like ADD and ADHD, medication can be an effective strategy to live a more fulfilling life on an everyday basis.
Medication management is one of the many services we provide here at Triumph. We work closely with our clients to determine the best course of action as part of a holistic plan to improve your overall quality of life. Whether that looks like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, or a combination of these practices is totally up to you!
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness in the Elderly
It is important to look out for signs of mental illness in the elderly so that you can support the ones you love in getting help as soon as possible. Here are a few factors to look out for…
Mood changes: If you or a loved one feel more irritable, more prone to mood swings, or simply not “like yourself,” it is possible that you may want to seek mental health support.
Personality changes: These changes refer to uncharacteristic or unsafe actions, such as increased risk-taking behavior or a sharp decline in personal care and hygiene.
Cognitive changes: Cognitive changes might look like difficulties concentrating, remembering information, struggling to learn new things, or experiencing illogical and unusual thinking patterns.
Sleep changes: If your sleep schedule is shifting, you are struggling to fall asleep (or stay asleep), or you are sleeping too much, this might be a sign that something bigger is going on and it is time to seek help.
Appetite changes: Like sleep changes, both eating too much and too little can be signs of a larger underlying problem.
Hallucinations: If you are seeing or hearing things that others cannot, you may be struggling with your mental health. If you experience hallucinations, a behavioral health professional like our team at Triumph is here to help.
Substance abuse or misuse: Overuse or inappropriately timed use of substances such as alcohol or drugs can be a sign that something else is going on under the surface.
Withdrawal: Reducing social interactions or withdrawing from the activities that you usually enjoy is a common sign of a mood disorder like depression or bipolar.
These are just a sampling of the signs and symptoms of geriatric mental health that you can look for in yourself and in others. If you feel that you need support with your mental health, there is never a better time than the present – don’t hesitate to reach out to a local behavioral health care provider to find mental health programs for older adults.
Mental Health Support for Older Adults
If you are located in Maryland, consider Triumph Behavioral Health for your mental health needs and concerns. We are a team of licensed nurse practitioners who are specially trained in behavioral health matters. No matter what you are dealing with, we are here to help – so reach out to us today. Making an appointment to speak to one of our professional team members is the first step. And remember: At Triumph, we care.