Mental Health is as Important as Physical Health
Older Americans’ Mental Health Week is generally the third week in May. This is a time to raise awareness of mental illnesses occurring in older adults and to educate those who care for them.
OWL, founded as the Older Women’s League, created Older Americans’ Mental Health Week to:
- raise awareness that mental illness is not a normal part of aging
- help develop better ways of helping older adults with mental health problems and
- further educate and train those in close daily contact with older adults.
About 60% of Americans mistakenly think that depression is a normal part of aging. Unfortunately, the attitudes of some health professionals may not be that different. This past winter, Mental Health America and OWL, conducted similar polls and both found that we all need a better understanding of aging and mental health.
One in five Americans of all ages—young and old—experiences a mental health problem in any given year. However, adults over age 75 have the highest suicide rate of any age group—not because of more attempts, but because their attempts are more lethal. Increased understanding may lead to interventions that save lives.
Changing bodies and chemistry, changes in family and friendships, and altered living situations can all impact mental health and need to be considered in treatment. Sometimes help with solving basic problems like transportation, can lower stress, improve community connections, and improve outlook and mood.
The following symptoms call for consultation with a health care professional:
- Sadness that has lasted longer than 2 weeks.
- Consistent worries about issues such as money, family and health.
- Consistent trouble sleeping or concentrating.
- Frequent trouble remembering things or feeling confused in familiar places.
- Have more than one alcoholic drink a day or take more medication than prescribed.
Treatment for mental health problems is available for people of all ages. And now we know more about prevention. Eating right, getting exercise and enough sleep, exercising the mind, and staying close to friends and family all go a long way to maintaining and enhancing mental health.
Although losses are a part of life, depression is not a normal part of aging! Healthy older adults continue to grow, thrive, and enjoy life!
You are fortunate to live in a region of Illinois that has a Gero-Psychiatric Program for those 60 and older who have mental health problems. A geriatric psychiatrist (a specialist in diagnosing & treating depression, other mental illnesses, and dementia) is available at Heartland Human Services for people residing in Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jefferson, and Marion Counties. Call 217.347.7179 for more information.