4 Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Aging Adults

Aging adults may not be used to speaking about their mental health status. Instead of waiting for them to ask for help, be vigilant in recognizing signs of mental illness. Then you can create a safe space for introducing the topic and treatment possibilities.

Your loved one may not even know how much they need help. You can help increase their quality of life as they live happily with a treatment plan for mental illness.

4 Signs of Mental Illness in Seniors

Does your loved one regularly check in on their own mental health? Whether they have a personality to assume everything is okay or do not have the resources or knowledge to seek treatment, you can breach the topic with them.

Here are some signs to look for:

1. Changes in Sleep: Fighting insomnia is a sign of mental illness and can also be a cause of mental illness. When your loved one cannot sleep, they start to experience increased anxiety and depression. If they already suffer from depression, you may see an uptick in the number of hours they sleep per day. Sleeping most of the day away is a reason to be concerned.
2. Loss of Appetite: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can lead to a change in diet. Sometimes, it manifests in a loss of appetite or could show up as an increase in eating and weight gain. Look for these changes and talk to your family member about what could be contributing to the changes.
3. Loneliness: An increase in isolation in your loved one’s life could lead to a bout of depression. If they recently lost a spouse or changed living situations where they spend an inordinate amount of time alone, check in on their mental health status regularly.
4. Lifestyle Change: Retirement is a lifestyle change that comes with significant enough changes to make someone feel worthless or out of sorts. Your loved one may experience feelings of depression after retirement as they adjust to their new normal.

If mental health struggles go untreated, they can affect your loved one’s physical health. It is essential to address your concerns and have a critical conversation with your loved one about mental health. Eliminate any stigma around the topic and welcome any questions or input.

Contact Professional Healthcare Services

We are ready to talk about mental health in the senior community. Please reach out to our team at Bonita Springs Healthcare Services for questions about your medical needs.