Dementia is the most commonly reported mental health issue amongst seniors and is often talked about. In fact, an estimated 5 million adults aged 65 and older currently have Alzheimer’s disease — about 11% of seniors, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. However, there are many seniors who experience other types of mental health issues that often go undiagnosed. Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are quite common in older adults, but they are often not reported and therefore go untreated.
Signs Seniors are Exhibiting Mental Illness
One of the main reasons these conditions go undiagnosed is that people are unaware of which symptoms to look for. It’s common to experience some changes in behavior as we age, so some of these behavioral changes might go unnoticed, or simply be dismissed. While not every little change is necessarily cause for concern, you definitely want to pay attention to any larger changes. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for.
Changes in appearance
If you’ve noticed a change in your loved one’s appearance, it could be a sign that something bigger is going on. If they suddenly begin to dress very differently, it’s something you’ll want to pay attention to. For example, if they normally look quite put together and they suddenly create looks that are drastically different or odd for them, it could be a sign of manic behaviour. Or if they seem to look disheveled and aren’t practicing good hygiene, this could be a sign of depression.
Sudden weight gain or weight loss can also indicate the presence of a mental health condition, as many conditions can cause increase or decrease in appetite.
Constant aches and pains
While it’s common to experience a few more aches and pains as we get older, it’s not normal to experience chronic pain. If your loved one complains of pain or other physical symptoms that can’t otherwise be explained, this could be a sign of depression. Research has indicated that patients with depression often report higher instances of pain when they are being examined by a doctor.
Social withdrawal
If your loved one seems to have lost interest in activities or hobbies that they used to really enjoy, it could be cause for concern. Both depression and anxiety can cause people to isolate themselves, for different reasons. Those with mental health issues may feel the need to hide their conditions, or simply might not have the energy required to be social.
Energy loss or sleep changes
Many mental health conditions can have effects on sleep patterns. People who experience depression might find themselves with very little energy and may feel the need to sleep all the time. On the other hand, other issues such as anxiety can keep people wide awake at night, leaving them exhausted during the day. Any changes in sleep patterns can have a dramatic impact on mood and behaviour, so it’s an important symptom to watch out for.
Memory loss
One of the most common symptoms experienced by seniors is memory loss. It should be noted that the occasional bout of forgetfulness is a fairly normal part of the aging process. However, you want to pay close attention to any recent or short-term memory loss episodes, as this could be an indicator of dementia or other mental health conditions.
How Bria Communities Supports Seniors with Mental Illness
At Bria Communities, we are experienced in providing care for seniors with mental health issues. Residents who live here are surrounded by caring staff who watch and engage with seniors on a daily basis. Whether it’s our 24-7 reception team, housekeepers and serving staff, or managers—everyone is committed to serving residents with dignity, respect, warmth and professionalism. These relationships can be essential in helping family member identify mental illness in their loved one, as well as seek solutions.
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