How to Maintain Mental Health in Senior Citizens

Gen Z is known for being serious about mental health awareness among other things, and yet somehow there is a whole group of people who are left out when it comes to mental health care, their mental state is often ignored and dismissed by them, and people around them. In this blog, we will look at mental health in the elderly and what we can do to help uplift those who are struggling with their mental health.

Depression is not simply a case of an overwhelming feeling of sadness or loneliness or a case of extreme hopelessness, it is a mental state that one cannot easily step out of simply because he/ she wants to, it is a severe mental health condition with severe side effects.

The elderly are often introduced into a world of diseases as they progress with age, where they must rely on constant medication to maintain their sense of normalcy and come to terms with the discomfiture of their bodies. Numerous older adults suffer from a variety of health issues that make them feel inadequate and a burden on their families and friends leading to depression.

Humans, despite their willingness to care for others, dislike being reliant on others and feeling like a burden; they would prefer not to be the recipient of such care and concern, especially if they believe it is out of pity on their part. The presence of psychological distress causes people to question their self-worth but having the belief in one's self is one of the most valuable and critical things you will ever possess; it is the one thing that we must hold on to regardless of what happens, or else life will seem a bit more difficult than usual.

Mental health and depression in the elderly have many contributing factors to it, these could be factors such as retirement, death of friends and loved ones, and health problems.

According to the National Institute On Aging, research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early in the morning, or oversleeping
• Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts Life is full of ups and downs.

There are always hassles and problems to deal with, and how someone reacts to these problems plays a huge role in how their mental health will be. Of course, their reaction depends on the kind of environment that they have been exposed to their entire life. It can be easy to sit back and tell someone how they are supposed to react in a certain situation however when you are faced with the same situation is not as easy of a decision to make. Dealing with pessimism or continuous pain and sadness itself can be overwhelming at times. Expecting someone who is going through a lot and experiencing trauma firsthand to fight for themselves and be ok is not realistic. One of the more widely known tips for depression is to keep reminding yourself that everything that you're going through is temporary and a better time is coming. Support groups are also known to be one of the most helpful and effective ways to help combat depression.

Mental disorders disturb the mechanism of the brain and pessimism overshadows everything, it is difficult to tell yourself that everything is going to be better and believe in it. A support group is one of the best solutions and a necessity. Being surrounded by people who can understand what you're going through and tell you that things get better helps in ways that one may not be able to explain.

It is no secret that it is difficult to care for someone who is suffering from depression; while you are doing your best to be there for them, it is difficult to comprehend how their brains are functioning and why they are unable to comprehend your efforts. Caring for someone who is depressed can sometimes result in you becoming depressed as well, because the patient may not respond as well as you would like to him or her, and if you keep pouring into a cup with a hole in it, you'll find yourself empty at the end of the day.

Mental health problems like any other health issues should be diagnosed by a professional and treated by one as well. Proper medication, guidance, counseling, and a diet should be advised. Caring for someone suffering from mental health problems should also be done preferably by a professional to ensure the highest quality of service with minimal exhaustion. CARE Inc. is hereto assist you by providing companion care services to your loved one who may be battling health and mental health issues in the comfort of their own homes. Contact us today to discuss a plan of care.