There are potential signs of mental health issues that can go overlooked. While feelings of anger, irritability, and suicidal thoughts are common signs of larger concerns, even something seemingly innocent such as increased fatigue can be a sign of a growing mental problem.
Statistics from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) find that roughly one out of every four adults are dealing with a mental disorder like anxiety or depression. That is nearly 7 million people nationwide. Unfortunately, current studies find that this number will likely be as high as 15 million by 2030.
It is a sad reality that almost two-thirds of older adults have mental disorders that go untreated. These mental issues can have wide-reaching effects, such as higher Houston healthcare costs, impaired quality of life, and stress on part of the caregiver. That is why it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs of these conditions in order to make a difference.
Warning Signs of Depression in Seniors
Caregivers need to be able to spot warning signs of depression to ensure that the senior is able to receive prompt treatment. There are many potential signs of depression, with some seniors showing many signs and others very few.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the most common warning signs of depression in seniors include:
- Enduring feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies or pastimes
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, or digestive problems without cause
If an older adult in your life has experienced any of these symptoms, they should be examined by a healthcare provider.
Warning Signs of Anxiety in Seniors
Anxiety is commonly seen in seniors and can be associated with depression, with statistics showing that almost half of older adults diagnosed with anxiety also experience depression.
Anxiety can impact every part of a senior’s life and wellbeing, with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) being the most common.
There are numerous warning signs of anxiety. According to the NIMH, the most frequent symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling overly excited or on-edge
- Easily fatigued
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Losing track of thoughts
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Issues with sleeping, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep or unsatisfactory sleep.
Chronic health issues may also contribute to anxiety, and studies have found that environmental and genetic factors can increase the chances of experiencing anxiety.
Treating Anxiety and Depression in Seniors
A mix of medication and psychotherapy is often used to treat these mental problems in seniors in Houston, TX. It is important for caregivers to be able to recognize and react properly to any potential warning signs in order to make sure proper treatment is given.
There are many activities that can promote mental wellness as a caregiver. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these activities can enhance the caregiving routine in order to help older adults dealing with depression or anxiety:
- Healthy Activities. Walking, fitness courses, interactive games, gardening, relaxation classes, yoga, Quigong, or Tai Chi.
- Intellectual Activities. Reading books, debating current events, crossword puzzles, card games, chess, or strategy games.
- Artistic Activities. Arts & crafts, creative writing, music, theatre, and dance.
- Skill-Building Activities. Computer classes, culinary classes, sewing classes, carpentry classes, gardening classes, financial classes, and grandparenting.
- Spiritual Activities. Religious services or prayer groups, religious holidays, or meditation programs.
- Volunteer and Mentoring Activities. Intergenerational activities with children, teens, and young adults.
- Coping Activities. Classes on grief, caring for a spouse, problem-solving, and socializing.
If you have a loved one living with a mental disorder, it is important to get help right away. West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD is here to help you during your time of need. Give us a call today at (713) 840-7200 to discuss your case.
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