Older adults aren’t immune to mental illness; in fact, the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging says that mental health conditions in older Americans have significantly increased in recent years due to factors such as social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of access to mental health treatment through Medicare and an increase in opioid abuse among older adults.
During the first week of October each year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) seeks to raise awareness of the mental health conditions that affect millions of Americans. As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, established by Congress in 1990, NAMI hopes to educate the public about ways that mental illness affects everyone either directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers.
How Mental Illness Affects Seniors
When seniors feel lonely, agitated and withdrawn from their usual routines, they are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. A major depressive disorder can take a toll on daily life by causing stress, insomnia, fatigue and increased pain sensitivity, which in turn can affect memory, concentration and decision-making.
In addition to major depressive disorder, other kinds of common serious mental illnesses include bipolar disorder, which causes intense fluctuations in mood, and schizophrenia, which creates a distorted sense of reality and possibly causes hallucinations or delusions.
Serious mental illnesses can reduce life expectancy because they weaken the immune system, contribute to poor outcomes in chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and contribute to substance abuse among older adults. Tragically, death by suicide is also a serious problem for people aged 65 and older, especially white men older than 85.
Signs that a Senior May Struggle with Mental Illness
Detecting depression in older adults isn’t always straightforward. Older adults usually are coping with significant life changes that trigger emotional responses, such as bereavement over losing a spouse or family member, managing an illness or moving to an unfamiliar environment. In addition, some medications can cause side effects that mimic depression, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause depressive symptoms, hallucinations or delusions.
However, caregivers and loved ones can be mindful of and watch for signs of depression. If you notice any of the symptoms below, be sure to visit a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Decreased energy or an inability to experience pleasure
- Weight loss and changes in appetite
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Worsened pain
Regularly tuning in to a senior’s demeanor can help loved ones recognize when a behavior is out of character and more than just a temporary feeling. Having consistent caregivers and visitors who can notice behavioral changes allows for quicker interventions when something is off. Kadan Homecare caregivers can help improve clients’ quality of life by providing companionship that combats feelings of isolation and loneliness. They also are trained to recognize signs of dementia.
We invite you to learn more about Kadan’s Companion Care programs and contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation if you’re interested in elder care in the Atlanta area. For more information or to talk with our team, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.
