Mental health is a common issue throughout the Australian population and the world, with older people more likely to experience depression from contributing factors such as physical illness and personal loss. Many people over 65 still feel a stigma around depression and anxiety, viewing it as a weakness rather than a genuine health condition. Research reflects older people are also more hesitant to share their experiences of mental health struggles with others, only seeking professional help when things reach a crisis point. At Karingal Green our mission is to provide care that enables our residents to live their life the way they choose; focusing on a whole-of-person care program, attending to their physical, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, financial and environmental wellbeing. We believe it’s important to normalise mental health issues as we age and explore positive ways to make an impact.
Risk factors
Just like with any illness, mental health is associated with a variety of different risk factors. Following are some of the more common scenarios which can have an impact on our mental health.
- Health problems or conditions such as heart disease, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Chronic pain.
- Side-effects from medications.
- Loss – relationships, independence, work and income, mobility and flexibility.
- Social isolation.
- Admission to hospital.
- Specific events or anniversaries and the memories they evoke.
- Family history of mental illness.
What signs and symptoms to look for
Now that we’ve identified several key risk factors, let’s explore how this presents in behaviour and what signs and symptoms to look out for.
A common sign that you or someone you know is suffering with mental health issues is a withdrawal from social activities or social isolation. This lack of interaction and connection can lead to feelings of loneliness which often makes the symptoms of depression and anxiety worse in the long term. Someone suffering from poor mental health may also feel shame and avoid others to hide their feelings and themselves. It’s important to not force an individual to participate, but rather show care and compassion by listening to their needs without judgement..
Feelings of despair, worthlessness or unjustified guilt are also frequently associated with mental illness and can be triggered by an event but can also arise unprovoked.
Another sign of mental illness in the elderly is confusion or disorientation. People may be quick to assume or dismiss this as dementia, but it is a common symptom of major depression or psychosis. It is important to work with a medical team or practitioner to rule out physical causes and get the right treatment for someone showing these signs.
If you recognise any of these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it’s time to look at treatment and care strategies.
Treatment and Care Strategies
The silver lining to being diagnosed with a mental illness is that there are many thoroughly researched therapies, strategies, medications, professionals and care available.
Karingal Green works to create an environment that’s caring and supportive, with a team of compassionate professional staff dedicated to providing the highest standards of clinical care. Our ongoing investment in research, training and innovation ensures our entire team is kept up-to-date on the delivery of best-practise, contemporary aged care; with an in-house clinical educator providing ongoing training and support to our nurses, developing the clinical leaders of the future.
Where do I go to find out more?
If you would like to learn more about mental health and what you can do to help, visit beyond blue by clicking the link below:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
To learn more about Karingal Green’s philosophy of care and the types of care we specialise in, visit us here.