Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as looking after your physical health. It’s something that older generations don’t always think about. However, mental health is a serious matter, and failing to look after yourself can affect you in more ways than you realise. Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any age, but certain demographics are more vulnerable than others. With that in mind, these are the most common mental health problems in over-60s.
Defining Mental Health
Mental health is a term used to combine our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. This includes our feelings, our thoughts, and how we act. Our mental health can also affect our physical health.
Living with mental health problems can make it harder for you to cope in stressful situations. It may also affect how you communicate with others or make it harder for you to motivate yourself. Some people living with mental health problems can continue living normally but feel more fragile, whilst others struggle to perform daily tasks.
How mental health affects you varies from person to person. However, there are a range of mental health conditions that someone can be diagnosed with. Some can be treated, whilst others are currently incurable. In later life, we become more likely to develop certain mental health problems.
Unfortunately, elderly people are less likely to admit to experiencing mental health problems. They may see it as a sign of weakness, or fear losing their independence. However, it’s important to recognise that it’s okay to not be okay.
Common Mental Health Problems in Over-60s
Ageing naturally changes your brain chemistry. As a result, as you get older you may be more likely to develop certain mental health problems. However, many over-60s will not develop these problems, and help is always available.
Depression
One of the most common mental health problems not just in over-60s but across the entire population is depression. This is a disorder characterised by sustained feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Whilst everyone can feel low occasionally, depression is long-lasting. It can affect you for weeks or even months.
Some people don’t take depression seriously, but it can have a major impact on your wellbeing, both mentally and physically. It’s not something you can simply “snap out of”.
Symptoms
Depression can present in a variety of ways. For some, it may be more severe than in others. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience:
- • Lasting feelings of sadness
- • Loss of interest in hobbies
- • Feeling tearful for no reason
- • Fatigue
- • Loss of appetite
- • Stress
- • Negative thoughts
- • Suicidal thoughts
Treatment
Fortunately, depression is a condition that can be treated. Sometimes, it may go away on its own, especially if you can identify and address the causes.
For most cases of diagnosed depression – also known as clinical depression – therapy is necessary to overcome the feelings. Medication is also an option.
A doctor will likely recommend certain lifestyle changes, including more exercise. Changes such as giving up alcohol or smoking can also improve your mental wellbeing.
Two of the most popular solutions for depression are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group therapy. These can help you to reframe your thoughts, boosting mood and helping you address the causes of your feelings.
Anxiety
This is another condition that some older people don’t take seriously. It’s natural to feel worried occasionally, but anxiety disorders can disrupt your daily life. Anxiety disorders tend to be constant, leaving you uncomfortable to do anything, including leaving the home.
Often, anxiety disorders are triggered by negative experiences, though they can be caused by other factors. For example, you may be experiencing other medical problems that are leaving you worried.
Symptoms
Anxiety, by definition, is a feeling of intense worry. If you are living with an anxiety disorder, you may experience:
- • Fast, shallow breathing
- • Excessive fear
- • Avoidance of social situations
- • Racing heart
- • Repeatedly checking you’re safe
- • Nausea
- • Sweating
- • Avoiding routine tasks
Treatment
Like depression, anxiety is a condition that is usually treated with therapy. Some can be done independently, using techniques such as mindfulness. Some people choose to do certain activities, such as colouring, as a means of reducing anxiety.
Other therapies focus on identifying the cause of your anxiety. Once you know what is triggering you, is it easier to implement techniques to manage your condition.
Medication is also an option for anxiety. This is usually used as a short-term solution. In some cases, physical symptoms of anxiety may also require medication to treat them. Reduced physical symptoms can make it easier to treat your anxiety.
Dementia
One of the biggest worries as we get older is that we may develop dementia. This is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, behaviour, and your ability to perform daily tasks. Whilst most people who develop dementia are over 60, it is not a normal part of ageing.
Developing dementia is one of the common mental health problems that people are most likely to worry will affect their independence. However, it is possible to live a fulfilling life after a dementia diagnosis.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, every case of dementia is different. This can make it difficult to notice the early symptoms. However, if you have dementia, you or a loved one may notice:
- • Memory loss
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Losing your ‘train of thought’
- • Unexpected mood changes
- • Getting confused by daily tasks
- • Struggling to keep up with conversations
Depending on the type of dementia you develop, you may also experience difficulties with movement or coordination. Some dementias can also cause neurological symptoms such as hallucinations or blackouts.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for dementia. However, there are medications that can help to slow its progress and manage symptoms. Other medicines may help to treat conditions that affect the progression of dementia.
For example, problems with your heart or circulation can increase your risk of developing dementia. Therefore, you may be prescribed with medication to treat cholesterol or blood pressure.
However, therapies are also available that can help to improve quality of life for people living with dementia. This includes cognitive stimulation therapy, which is designed to improve memory, problem-solving, and language skills.
Addressing Loneliness
There is a strong link between loneliness and common mental health problems. Unfortunately, loneliness affects many elderly people. In fact, as many as one in four over-60s have reported feeling lonely. In fact, even if you have people around you, it is still possible to feel lonely.
Though there are several factors to take into consideration when thinking about mental health problems, fighting loneliness can help to improve your wellbeing. It is also, often, one of the easiest steps you can take to improve your mental health.
Here are some tips for addressing loneliness to prevent common mental health problems.
Get Online
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to keep in touch with our loved ones. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger mean you can send a message at any time and it will be received instantly. More than that, though, these apps also provide voice call functions.
By getting online, you can see your loved ones more often. A voice call is much better than only hearing their voice through the phone and is an ideal substitute if they struggle to find the time to visit. This could be a great way to improve your mood and help avoid common mental health problems.
Volunteering
One of the most effective ways of avoiding isolation and loneliness is to get out of the house and engage in an activity. If you are struggling to find something to do, why not consider volunteering? There are thousands of opportunities across the country for over-60s.
You could help out in a local charity shop or at a local animal shelter. Alternatively, you could lend a hand at a local event or school. Volunteering helps to provide an additional sense of purpose in your life, as well as stimulating your mind and introducing you to new people. This can all help prevent common mental health problems.
Adopt a Pet
Sometimes, you might need some extra companionship around the house. If this applies to you, a pet can be the perfect choice for avoiding common mental health problems. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds can all help you feel less alone at home, providing affection and something to focus your attentions on. By adopting a pet, not only could you be boosting your own mood, but you could be providing an animal with a whole new lease on life.
Moreover, some pets provide extra motivation to get outside and exercise. Taking your pet for a walk is ideal for getting into the fresh air, which can provide a major boost to your mental wellbeing. You may also feel more confident outside of the house, which can make it easier to connect with people, avoiding loneliness.
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