World Mental Health Day: How Mental Health Can Impact Senior Adults

Mental health is a vital piece of our overall health. It is just as important as our physical health, yet it’s something that, until recent years, hasn’t been featured in our conversations as often as it should be. Having awareness about mental health realties for senior adults is essential to ensuring that we all have a chance to understand how mental health can impact us, as well as access to the various medications, therapies, and other services we might need in order to navigate mental health care.

While there is still significant stigma surrounding education, conversation, and treatment for mental health needs, activists, advocates, and healthcare professionals work tirelessly to shine a light on mental health throughout the year. According to the World Health Organization, one such occasion for bringing awareness to mental health is October 10th – World Mental Health Day.*

Many different people, both professionals and everyday people, come together to share their stories and highlight relevant data. The overarching message: mental health matters; you are not alone.

How Mental Health Can Impact Senior Adults
In 2023, the World Health Organization published information about the prevalence of mental health conditions in senior adults, as well as what risk factors are at play. They posit that, at older ages, mental health isn’t only impacted by our social or physical atmosphere but can also be influenced by specific events experienced earlier in life, as well as stressors related to the realities of aging. *

According to this research, older adults are at a heighted risk of developing anxiety and depression. This could be attributed to several different factors including housing insecurity, poor physical health, lack of support, and the presence of other health conditions.

There are several different kinds of mental health related struggles that we can experience, and each comes with their own set of traits, stigmas, and treatments. Anxiety and depression are quite common.

Anxiety and Depression, Symptoms to Look Out For
Often, the symptoms of depression and anxiety can go unnoticed. This can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression and anxiety are hidden because they are masked by related symptoms to a physical illness. Other times, they go unnoticed because we don’t always feel comfortable or safe enough to share our struggles. If we don’t have the support or language to share our experiences, it can be hard to access help.

If you, or a loved one, are struggling with depression or anxiety, here are some symptoms to be aware of:

Symptoms of Anxiety:
• Excessive worry or fear
• Disinterest in routine activities or being overly engaged with routine
• Avoiding social situations
• Overly concerned about safety
• Racing heart, shallow breathing, trembling, nausea, sweating
• Poor sleep
• Muscle tension, feeling weak and shaky
• Hoarding/collecting
• Depression
• Self-medication with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants

Symptoms of Depression:
• Disturbed sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain)
• Physical aches and pains
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Irritability and intolerance
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulties with concentration or decision-making
• Noticeable restlessness or slow movement
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Change in libido

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and think you may be experiencing anxiety or depression, share that with a trusted loved one, as well as your healthcare provider.

Mental Healthcare Solutions
Mental healthcare varies depending on your situation – the treatment for depression is different than the treatment plan for PTSD or anxiety might be. According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, the presence of grief and dementia can also have an impact on someone dealing with anxiety or depression. * Therapy, medication, stress reduction, and coping skills, as well as support from family and friends, can be part of the solution. A mental healthcare provider will know what direction to take in order to give you the support needed.

No Matter What You are Experiencing, You Matter
This World Mental Health Day, we want you to know that no matter what you are going through, your experience matters. You matter. No one should have to be alone with complicated thoughts or feelings. You deserve genuine support as you navigate your mental health. We can replace stigma with support by sharing our stories with one another, ensuring that fewer and fewer people feel alone.

Today, we hope you know above all else that you are worth the support needed to address your mental health concerns. You make the world a better place. We are so glad you’re here!

If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, suicide ideation, or suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; you can also text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

*Sources:
1. “World Mental Health Day.” Www.who.int, 2023, www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day.
2. World Health Organization. “Mental Health of Older Adults.” Www.who.int, 20 Oct. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults/
3. American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. “Anxiety and Older Adults: Overcoming Worry and Fear – American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.” American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 2024, aagponline.org/patient-article/anxiety-and-older-adults-overcoming-worry-and-fear/.

Written by Jordie DiFernando