MENTAL HEALTH DECLINE SIGNS AND HOW TO HELP
Mental health decline and difficulties can impact anyone at any time of life, but older adults on average tend to be more vulnerable to depression and other mental illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, 15% of adults aged 60 or older suffer from a mental disorder in their life time.
But mental illnesses are not necessarily a normal part of the aging process. If you recognize or hear from a loved one that their day-to-day life is significantly affected by a mental health decline, they could be in need of treatment. Family members and friends are in an especially advantageous position to help older adults seek out mental health decline services that will improve their quality of life.
Read on for some common symptoms of mental health conditions that affect older adults, what types of therapy can help, and some useful resources to assist with finding quality care.
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Decline
Any number of root causes could trigger a mental health decline, from physical illness to loneliness to difficult lifestyle changes. Regardless of the situation, friends and family members should be able to recognize common warning signs of a mental health crisis, including:
- Noticeable, persistent changes in mood
- Anger, aggressiveness, or restlessness
- A lack of positive emotion, even with activities a loved one usually enjoys
- Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain
- A reliance on alcohol or drugs
- Suicidal thoughts
- Engaging in high-risk activities
The list of potential warning signs goes on, but the important thing is to recognize and address significant changes in a loved one’s behavior that could indicate they are in distress. It is also important to note that for older adults depression is sometimes misdiagnosed as dementia, as symptoms may include forgetfulness and disorientation. It’s also common for a person with dementia to develop depression, and they may try to hide memory loss and other symptoms. If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and notice signs of depression, talk to your loved one’s healthcare provider about ways to manage these symptoms.
Help us understand your home care needs. Then we’ll set up a free phone consultation so you can get the right support and in-home care services to live and age successfully at home. Communication is a very important part of the service we provide. Call us at +1 (617) 659 0436 or email [email protected] to speak to our dedicated team members who look forward to hearing about your specific needs.