Depression and anxiety can affect us at any age—older adults included. Here’s what to know and what you can do to support your mental health.
Life Changes
Mental Health Awareness Month this May encourages us to focus on some key ideas about mental health and aging. “As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health,” says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Help is always available, they emphasize. Getting the right care can enhance your quality of life, independence, and social connections.
Depression
Among older adults, depression is a common mental health concern, says the University of Utah School of Medicine. It can crop up as a response to chronic illness, disability, or cancer. Or it may be a response to a major life change, like losing a partner or moving from your home.
The key? Recognize the symptoms of depression and seek help. Here are some symptoms to know, according to the CDC:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless often or all the time
- Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
- Weight gain or loss, or changes in appetite
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or restless
- Lack of energy or feeling tired
- Feeling worthless or overly guilty
- Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
- Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself (If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, you can connect with the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a trained counselor. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.)
Depression – Not Normal Aging
A common misconception is that most older adults are depressed—not true! Researchers confirm that depression is less common among older adults than among younger people. However, when it crops up, it can have serious consequences. Depression can affect your physical health and your social enjoyment. Older adults who are experiencing depression are also likely to be using more medications and to need more medical care, says the University of Utah.
The important thing to know is that “depression is not a normal part of aging,” says the University of Utah—and it can be treated. Some people feel uncomfortable bringing up depression, but “having issues with mental health is not a sign of weakness, a character flaw, a lack of faith, a curse, or a moral failing,” explains the University of Utah. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength—something positive you can do for yourself in your aging journey.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience for people of all ages, including older adults. It can be triggered by changes in health, loss of independence, financial stress, a change in living situation, or loss of social connections. Sometimes, certain medications can also contribute to anxiety. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry says that symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Excessive worry or fear
- Avoiding routine activities—or being overly preoccupied with routine
- Avoiding social situations
- Feeling overly concerned about safety
- Racing heart, shallow breathing, trembling, nausea, sweating
- Poor sleep
- Muscle tension, feeling weak and shaky
- Substance abuse
The Association also explains that depression and anxiety may occur together. If you are experiencing symptoms of either, they suggest talking to your doctor. “Treatment can involve medication, therapy, stress reduction, coping skills, and family or other social support,” they explain.
Substance Abuse
Misuse of alcohol or drugs can sometimes become a coping mechanism for mental health concerns. However, it’s not a useful answer. “While alcohol might initially help a person relax, it eventually interferes with sleep and overall wellness, and can even contribute to anxiety, depression, and dementia,” explains the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.
If you feel that you or someone you care about may be misusing alcohol or drugs, you can call the National Helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders: call 800-662-HELP (4357).
How to Build Resilience
Changes in health and circumstances can lead to new challenges at any stage of life. “Resilience—the ability to flow with life’s changes—is a key to aging well,” explains the blog on aging well. Resilience is the ability to cope and bounce back.
How can you build resilience? You can choose to look for the positive side of your situation. You can look at a new challenge as an opportunity to grow, says the National Institutes of Health. You can tap into your own strengths. They also suggest:
- Take care of yourself with regular exercise and a healthy sleep routine
- Make time for things you enjoy
- Stay social and ask for support when you need it
For more self-care ideas, check out the blog, Lifestyle Keys to Wellness.
Remember that staying social is a powerful way to nurture your mental well-being. And if you find symptoms of depression, anxiety, or alcohol or drug use disorder getting in the way of your healthy lifestyle, don’t be afraid to seek help. Know that you are not the only one—and you can feel better and enjoy the bounty of your years!
More Resources
Check out the Age Well Indiana resource, How to Manage Stress. And take a look at these Wellness Toolkits from the National Institutes of Health: