The week of May 2-8, 2016 is Mental Health Week, an annual Canada-wide event that takes place on the first week of May to encourage everyone to learn, talk, reflect, and engage with each other on issues relating to mental health.
One of the areas on which this week seeks to raise awareness is senior’s mental health. One in four seniors has a mental health issue and the incidence of mental illness in older adults is growing.
Mental health problems in seniors include: depression; anxiety; dementia; delirium and experiences of psychosis; addiction, substance and/or alcohol abuse, and overuse or misuse of prescription medications; and other kinds of distress.
While some seniors have pre-existing mental health illnesses from earlier in life, others develop conditions in their senior years. For some, the mental illness is the result of losing a loved one, suffering a stroke, or age-related cognitive impairment. Depression is the most common mental health problem for older adults
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, seniors are often undertreated for mental health problems. Reasons may include:
- Symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions:
Many seniors have multiple health problems. It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between signs of physical and mental illness. Also, symptoms of mental illness may look different in older adults. - Discrimination and stigma:
Some people are unwilling to ask for help for fear of what others may think and how they may be treated. There are still many negative and mistaken attitudes around mental illness that fuel discrimination and stigma—and make it harder to reach out for help. - Believing it is too late in life to make changes:
Seniors, family members and others can believe it is too late to do anything about poor mental and physical health in older age. It is never too late! - Physical and financial challenges:
Getting to treatment can be a challenge for many older people with mobility issues. So is the cost of treatment. Not all mental health services are publicly funded. Seniors who don’t have private insurance may not be able to pay for services that aren’t covered. - Service availability:
Everyone’s treatment needs are different, and sometimes the right services and community supports aren’t available when people need them.
Resources and treatment options are available to people of all ages who have a mental health issue. If you suspect that you or someone you love may have a mental health issues, your family doctor can connect you with other healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses.
Talk with supportive friends and family to share your feelings with them. Explain what you need and let them help you. Loved ones can offer both emotional and practical support, like scheduling appointments or finding services, and are often the first ones to notice early changes in a senior’s well-being, including setbacks and improvements.
Connect with others who have personal experience with a mental health problem so you can learn more about their recovery journey.
Contact your local community mental health organization to learn more about support and resources near you.
Written with information from www.mentalhealthweek.ca