Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Seniors.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness 

Problems with mental health in later life can stem from specific life stressors, including retirement, illness, isolation and bereavement. When compounded, that can lead to anxiety, agitation, loneliness and chronic depression.

 10 signs to look for:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Expressing hopeless or pessimistic feelings
• Fatigue and/or lack of energy
• Problems with concentration, memory and/or decision-making
• Sleep problems including difficulty sleeping, early awakening, and oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight—more or less hungry than usual
• Thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts
• Difficulty in functioning
• Decreased social activity
• Vague complaints that lead to more frequent visits to healthcare providers

How to support senior mental health 

Beyond simply promoting awareness—which in itself is an important tool in helping those who need support, often without even realizing it—there are a few ways we can help ensure a healthy mental outlook at any age.

1.   Stop the stigma. Talking openly and honestly about the importance of mental health can help to neutralize the negativity surrounding it.
2.   Pay attention. Through education, research, and outreach, we can better understand and thus see the signs early to help mitigate long-term mental health issues. The Canadian Coalition For Seniors’ Mental Health website has helpful resources. 
3.   Promote healthy habits. Mental health is nurtured by keeping the mind and body active and enjoying strong social connections within a community that provides a continuum of care along with empathetic individual support.

For further reading:

Organizations such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada offer resources including guidelines for policy makers and care facilities, as well as tools for long-term support workers assisting aging adults with mental health concerns.