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Health & Fitness

Senior Moments: Coping with Mental Illness

Recognizing and coping with mental illness.

Mental illness can begin at any age, from childhood through senior years. Because elderly people may have a combination of medical, psychological and social issues, diagnosing and managing mental health problems can be challenging.

Mental illness refers to a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. These can include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time; these only become a mental illness when the signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect the ability to function in daily life, work or relationships.

Many people with debilitating mental health issues avoid treatment or think that this is a normal part of aging. In most cases, mental illness symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and counseling (psychotherapy).

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Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Aside from reducing overall quality of life, untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral, physical health, legal and financial problems.

Symptoms of mental illness may include unusual thinking, behavior or emotions, sadness and anxiety, withdrawing from friends and family, excessive energy, sleep disturbance and even delusions or hallucinations.

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Others may be the first to realize that there is a problem. In these cases, have an open and honest discussion with the afflicted person about your concerns. You can also help him find a qualified provider and make an appointment. Perhaps you can accompany him. Mental disorders do not improve on their own, and if untreated, may get worse.

No one is sure what causes mental illness. Factors that may play a role:

  • Inherited traits—mental illness may run in families and a life situation may trigger it in those who are at risk.
  • Biological factors—Outside forces such as severe brain injury or exposure to viruses or toxins before birth.
  • Life experiences—Challenging situations like the loss of a loved one and high stress may trigger mental illness. Being brought up with low self-esteem or enduring sexual or physical abuse can lead to unhealthy patterns of thinking.
  • Brain chemistry—Hormone imbalances may play a role.

Coping with mental illness is challenging. You can provide support by: Learning about the illness so that you can understand what is wrong and how you can help. Keep connected with friends and family, ask for help when needed and tell those loved ones not directly involved about how the person is doing. Keep a journal to track what triggers or improves symptoms. This can also provide an outlet for your concerns about the afflicted person. You might also consider joining a support group to learn more about ways to cope with mental illness in a loved one. 

My name is Rudy, and this has been a Senior Moment.

Rudy VanDerLaan is owner of Comfort Keepers, which provides non-medical in home care. A further description of available  services can be found at www.comfortkeepers.com

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